Top seed Rafael Nadal advanced to the Mercedes Cup final with a 6-3, 6-4 win over fourth seed Gael Monfils on Saturday.
After the match, Rafa said: “He is one of the more charismatic players on the tour and he is a very important player for our tour. I think Gael does different things, he can play aggressively and then drop defensively, so he can play winners from anywhere but then maybe mistakes so you have to stay focused. That’s what I did, with the right intensity and by waiting for my moment. During the first part of the season it was quite bad but the first part of this month was better and every victory is important. Being in the final is great news.” (via Sportal)
AFP PHOTO / THOMAS KIENZLE
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns a ball during the semifinal tennis match against Gael Monfils from France, at the ATP Mercedes Cup tennis tournament in Stuttgart, Germany, Saturday June 13, 2015. ( Marijan Murat/dpa, via AP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns a ball during the semifinal tennis match against Gael Monfils from France, at the ATP Mercedes Cup tennis tournament in Stuttgart, Germany, Saturday June 13, 2015. ( Marijan Murat/dpa, via AP)
STUTTGART, GERMANY – JUNE 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain serves during his match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of Mercedes Cup 2015 on June 13, 2015 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Bongarts/Getty Images)
on day eight of Mercedes Cup 2015 on June 13, 2015 in Stuttgart, Germany.
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand in the semifinal of the ATP tennis tournament against Monfils of France in Stuttgart, Germany, 13 June 2015. (Tenis, Francia, Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/Marijan Murat
Rafael Nadal of Spain makes a fist in the semifinal of the ATP tennis tournament against Monfils of France in Stuttgart, Germany, 13 June 2015. (Tenis, Francia, Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/Marijan Murat
STUTTGART, GERMANY – JUNE 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain retunrs during his match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of Mercedes Cup 2015 on June 13, 2015 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Bongarts/Getty Images)
STUTTGART, GERMANY – JUNE 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain retunrs during his match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of Mercedes Cup 2015 on June 13, 2015 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Bongarts/Getty Images)
STUTTGART, GERMANY – JUNE 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after his match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of Mercedes Cup 2015 on June 13, 2015 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Bongarts/Getty Images)
STUTTGART, GERMANY – JUNE 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after his match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of Mercedes Cup 2015 on June 13, 2015 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after his victory in the semifinal of the ATP tennis tournament against Monfils of France in Stuttgart, Germany, 13 June 2015. (Tenis, Francia, Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/Marijan Murat
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after he won the semifinal tennis match against Gael Monfils from France, at the ATP Mercedes Cup tennis tournament in Stuttgart, Germany, Saturday June 13, 2015. ( Marijan Murat/dpa, via AP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal raises his fist after he won the semifinal tennis match against Gael Monfils from France, at the ATP Mercedes Cup tennis tournament in Stuttgart, Germany, Saturday June 13, 2015. ( Marijan Murat/dpa, via AP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after his victory in the semifinal of the ATP tennis tournament against Monfils of France in Stuttgart, Germany, 13 June 2015. (Tenis, Francia, Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/Marijan Murat
STUTTGART, GERMANY – JUNE 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after his match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of Mercedes Cup 2015 on June 13, 2015 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after his victory in the semifinal of the ATP tennis tournament against Monfils of France in Stuttgart, Germany, 13 June 2015. (Tenis, Francia, Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/Marijan Murat
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after his victory in the semifinal of the ATP tennis tournament against Monfils of France in Stuttgart, Germany, 13 June 2015. (Tenis, Francia, Alemania, España) EFE/EPA/Marijan Murat
STUTTGART, GERMANY – JUNE 13: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates after his match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of Mercedes Cup 2015 on June 13, 2015 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Bongarts/Getty Images)
So happy for you. Glad to see that big smile back on your face. I would love to have your new car.yellow is not my color either. But hey love the car. Anyway so proud and happy for you. Well deserve.
No broadcast of the match in Winnipeg. Thats Shaw cable for you! Onward and upward. Jean Palmer and friends Canada
Rafa good play today vamossssssssssss you can do it.all the way to the finals.your fans for ever.
You played a terrific game Rafa. Keep up the good work tomorrow. Disappointed for you re. the bad draw in the Queens. However, you are playing excellently n can beat it! Vamos, Vamos,Vamos Rafa. Love your Aussie Granny. 😀😀🎈🎈
Genial Rafa, congra, eres mi idolo
didn’t see the match,, (angry) but from what Rafa said he played pretty good,,, an that’s what I wanna hear from now on ,,,
Fantastico Rafa!! felicitaciones!
Congratulations Rafa: It was heartwarming to see the joy on your face after you won the match. Good luck tomorrow in the final. So happy for you today. Please remain healthy in body (and mind). God Bless You. Love Marylynn
Great match! Rafa plays much better than the last years on grass. All the best for the final tomorrow. Go for it;)
Take rest and enjoy the win today. Vamos Rafa <3 <3 <3
Fantastic match! Can’t wait for the final tomorrow! Vamos Rafa!
SIMPLY THE BEST. GO FOR IT RAFA!!!!!