World No. 1 Rafael Nadal won his first title of 2014 by defeating France’s Gael Monfils 6-1, 6-7, 6-2 at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha. This is Rafa’s first title in his sixth singles appearance at the tournament. With this win, Rafa ushers in his 663rd career win, surpassing the tie he set with Michael Chang yesterday, and also surpasses Andre Agassi’s ATP titles record (whom he was tied with until today) to win his 61st ATP title. This is also the first time that Rafa has won a title before going into the Australian Open.
Given the ease in which Monfils slid his way into the final, and his winning record against Rafa in Doha (which in itself isn’t necessarily a useful statistic or predictor of current performance), the match was much anticipated and promised to be unpredictable. It lived up to expectations. The first set saw Rafa utterly dominating the court and taking just 23 minutes to end at 6-1. The second set started out with Monfils breaking to be up 3-0 before Rafa scored. Rafa broke to even the set, before Monfils took it in the tiebreaker at 7-6(5). The third set saw Rafa gain momentum once again, ending at 6-2. Rafa heads to Melbourne next, where he will attempt his second Australian Open championship victory.
Heartiest congratulations, Rafa! All our best wishes are with you for a season more successful than your last! Vamos!
Photos: Reuters/Ahmed Jadallah, AP/Osama Faisal, EFE/EPA/Ali Haider, AFP Marwan Naamani, ar.beinsports.net, QTF/Paul Zimmer
You deserves this. Congrats, Rafa.
Rebecca asked why Doha was not on any tv channel. Apart from the 4 big ones, the tennis is not even mentioned here in Ireland on the major radio stations sports reports. It is really annoying.Every other sport I can think of is covered. Thanks to Lemonsport and other streams, plus euro sport on my laptop, I manage to follow the tennis worldwide.
Congratulations Rafa……………Vamos
Was there any player from Qatar? of course not Qatar is buying recognition only >Congratulation To Rafa he is a great champion .Happy new year.
Great Job, I would like to no,WHY Doha was not on any tennis channrel,s!!!!!!!
JOB WELL DONE!!DATS THE WAY TO DO IT 2014
EN HORA BUENA MI CAMPEON TU PRIMER TROFEO DEL AÑO………FELICIDADES MI HEROE
Primer trofeo, primer tournament del ano, vamos RAFA a por Melbourne ahora, te esperamos aqui…..
First trophy, first tournament of the year, vamos RAFA go for Melbourne Trophy next, we’re waiting for you here
TO RAFA – Congratulations Champion. I love you and wish you continued success and health in 2014.
Parabéns Rafa , Campeão; que seja o primeiro de muitos e muitos títulos em 2014. Vamos Rafa.
Rafa, I AM SO impressed with your Tennis, you just amaze me. Vamoooooooooooos again.
Muy contenta, por tu triunfo, jugaste muy bien. te ves muy bien para el mayor de Australia, espero sea tu revancha, contra Nole y salgas victorioso, muchas felicidades, eres el mejor, bendiciones.
Buenas tardes Rafa. Felicitaciones por tu Primer Trofeo. Saludos.
Congratulations Rafa, starting the year on a high note. This the year if execution, do your best to defend the titles you son in 2013. I am here to support you like the wind underneath your wings. Fly Rafa, vamos
Bravo champion bien joué cette finale Victoire méritée VAMOOOSSS!!!
Bravo Rafa
Rafa , so so happy for you!!! not able to watch the match, but tracking live score online. I am one of Rafa’s biggest fans. I am very happy too for this win.
Congratulations Rafa. Off to Melbourne you go with all of your fans urging you onto another win.
Congrads. to My favorite Tennis player ever Rafa Nadal, you are such a Gem Rafa. Vamooooooos
Common!! Next- Unto d Aussies. Vamos Rafa
I love you RAFA! <3 Many more titles to come this 2014! VAMOS!
Rafa you were bri;;iant just brilliant today in Qatar