Montreal Masters: Nadal crushes Raonic to take Rogers Cup

In the end, it proved to be no more than an anti-climax. Rafael Nadal was far too supreme for the first time finalist Milos Raonic, who appeared clueless for the most part in his first attempt at an ATP World Tour Masters Series title. The world No.4 breezed past the Canadian with a consummate performance. Nadal’s efforts not only netted him his 25^th title in this class, but will also serve as a stern warning to his opponents of his intentions for the American hard court swing. The Spaniard needed just an hour and eight minutes to send Raonic packing 6-2, 6-2 in front of a battery of desperately cheering home fans.

The serve is a critical part Raonic’s plans on court. The Canadian barely put his first serve in play, managing just 50% on the first throw. Raonic compounded his situation by winning just two thirds of his first serve points and less than half of his second serve points.

Nadal was all over the clueless Canadian to ride away with the first set in just 30 minutes, with the help of seven winners and losing just a solitary point on his serve. Raonic could not force a single break point as a result and surrendered both the break points he faced to surrender control to Nadal.

Raonic already was staring down the barrel when he threw in a couple of double faults to gift a break to Nadal at the start of the second set. Nadal pocketed the gift, consolidating with an easy hold to gain a stranglehold over proceedings.

Raonic enjoyed his first sniff of an opportunity when Nadal slipped to 0-40 on his serve at 2-1 in the second set. But an ace at break point and another at game point enabled Nadal to stave off any chances for Raonic to claw the break back.

In deep trouble at 2-4, Raonic served his third double fault of the match to fall into a trench at 15-30. Nadal started the burial with a brutal backhand cross court that forced an error from Raonic, before sealing another break on the next point.

Raonic sailed a forehand long on Nadal’s serve to hand victory to the Spaniard at the first opportunity. While the match was entirely forgettable for the Canadian, he can take heart from the fact that he is set to become the first Canadian to break the top ten on the ATP Tour.

The differences between the two men were accentuated by the bright sunshine that enveloped the arena in Montreal. Nadal scored 17 winners to just seven unforced errors; Raonic was soiling his hands at the other end of the spectrum. The Canadian gifted as many as 22 unforced errors, managing just 8 winners in the one sided contest.

The victory marked Nadal’s 8^th title in 10 finals this year – he has made at least the final of each of the tournaments he has entered this year, except Wimbledon. He is yet to lose a hard court match this season, having emerged triumphant both in Indian Wells and Montreal. Nadal has won four of the six masters series events played so far this season.

Nadal pocketed $547,300 and a thousand valuable points as he strengthened his case for finishing the year at the top of the rankings. Raonic had to be content with $268,350 and 600 points. Raonic congratulated Nadal for “giving him a clinic,” during the post-match ceremonies and also for enjoying a better record on hard courts this year. Nadal thanked the spectators for their support during the week, assuring them that Montreal will stay with him in his heart.

In the doubles final, Alexander Peya and Bruno Soares defeated Colin Fleming and Andy Murray 6-4, 7-6(4) to clinch the title. It was their fourth tour title this year, but the maiden masters-series title of their doubles career.