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The dream final between the top 2 players in the world is well and truly ON now. For a change, Rafa will be going into a final on his favorite clay surface as the underdog. He is a 7 time defending champion here at Monte Carlo and he is a legend in these parts more so than in other parts of the world.
But, still Nadal is modest enough to admit that he has everything to win and nothing to lose against a player who has got the better of him, 7 times in succession. The latest defeat at the Aussie Open final was heartbreaking but, still that was a match when tennis was the winner. Rafa took that defeat like the sport that he is.
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There are some fascinating stats ahead of this final
- Rafa is bidding for his 8th successive Monte Carlo Masters. He is on a 41 match winning streak here losing just once way back in 2003 for a 43-1 career record.
- Rafa is in a barren patch as far as titles are concerned as the Roland Garros title in 2011 was his last. He has regularly made the final, semifinal only to be stopped by the Novak juggernaut repeatedly.
- He is looking for a record 20th Masters title. At the moment, Rafa and Roger are tied at 19 apiece. Nole has 11 Masters titles to his credit.
- This would be Rafa’s 37th final on a clay court. He has a truly imposing 32-4 finals record on clay. On paper, it should be a 33rd win on the dirty clay for the Mallorcan slugger .
- Nole is gunning for his maiden title here at Monte Carlo. He was runner-up to Rafa in 2009. This is one of only 3 Masters he has never won.
PREDICTION: If Nole does defeat Rafa as expected, it would be an epic upset unlike his previous wins over the Spaniard since 2011. The reputation that Rafa has on the Monte Carlo clay is such. It would really be sad seeing the Spaniard receiving the runners-up trophy here. But, still facts are cruel. It would hardly be a surprise seeing Novak lifting the trophy in 3 hard fought sets. The tennis romantic’s heart says Rafa, but the practical mind says Novak. To end it with a cliche.
