World number five Rafael Nadal reached his 100th career final, beating Andy Murray 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 this afternoon in the semifinals of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Master.
Murray broke twice to take the opening set 6-2, but wilted under Rafa’s power and accuracy to lose the next two 6-4, 6-2.
Our champ now awaits the winner of the second semifinal between French players Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Rafael Nadal serves during the semi final match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 16, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
Spain’s Rafael Nadal serves the ball to Britain’s Andy Murray during the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament semi-final match, on April 16, 2016 in Monaco. Nadal won the match 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 16, 2016 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Britain’s Andy Murray during the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament semi-final match, on April 16, 2016 in Monaco. Nadal won the match 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 16, 2016 – Source: AFP)
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 16: Rafael Nadal of Spain makes a return during his semi-final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain during the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 16, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 16: Rafael Nadal of Spain makes a return at the net during his semi-final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain during the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 16, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts during his semi final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 16 April 2016. (España, Tenis, Francia) EFE/EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 16: Rafael Nadal of Spain questions a linesman over a ball called out during his semi-final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain during the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 16, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his match agains Britain’s Andy Murray during the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament semi-final match, on April 16, 2016 in Monaco. Nadal won the match 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 16, 2016 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal shakes hands with Andy Murray of Great Britain after their semi final match of the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters tournament in Monaco, Saturday, April 16, 2016. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau)
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 16: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point in his 2-6,6-4,6-2 victory during his semi-final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain during the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 16, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
during the semi final match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 16, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
during the semi final match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 16, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
during the semi final match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 16, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco.
Tennis – Monte Carlo Masters – Monaco, 16/04/2016. Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning his match against Andy Murray of Britain. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Tennis – Monte Carlo Masters – Monaco, 16/04/2016. Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning his match against Andy Murray of Britain. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning a match against Britain’s Andy Murray during the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament semi final match, on April 16, 2016 in Monaco. AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE / AFP / VALERY HACHE (April 16, 2016 – Source: AFP)
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 16: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point in his 2-6,6-4,6-2 victory during his semi-final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain during the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 16, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Tennis – Monte Carlo Masters – Monaco, 16/04/2016. Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning his match against Andy Murray of Britain. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
Tennis – Monte Carlo Masters – Monaco, 16/04/2016. Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning his match against Andy Murray of Britain. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning a match against Britain’s Andy Murray during the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament semi final match, on April 16, 2016 in Monaco. AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE / AFP / VALERY HACHE (April 16, 2016 – Source: AFP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates acknowledges the crowds applause after his 2-6,6-4,6-2 victory during his semi-final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain during the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 16, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 15, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
Dear Rafa and Fans: So happy for the win over Andy Murray today . I hope that Rafa is on his way to much needed confidence and self-belief – permanently!! Please be healthy, calm, and confident into tomorrow’s final with Monfils. Rafael Nadal needs this Win tomorrow and mostly to strengthen his self-belief. He needs to play more offensively and he will only be able to play this way if he has belief in himself. I pray he can feel this way ,and a Win tomorrow will he the best thing for him for many many reasons. I love you Rafa, God bless you. Love, Marylynn
Vamos Rafa! Now the title and then the Djoker.
Exactly, the great J.Beer!
Your honest, incisive and courageous comments have in no small measure contributed to the 95% Rafa that we have now.
FRUITCAKE O_O
I think he’s at 80%!
What !! You sanctimonious arse..so you think comments on here have contributed to Nadals performence..especially from the grim reapers ..laughable that you think he even reads them!!!
rafa practice well , monfils is a good player, his defense is good so try drop shots and dont be predictable with shot selection
and remember don’t drop inside service box area it is a suicide nowadays so just be consistent over the area beyond service box area …….
and most importantly just focus on generating high chest/shoulder spinning bounce ……………it is very very very important
just watched match highlights and great to see rafa defence was upto the mark like his best years……..
vamos rafa
best luck for tomorrow
Yes u r back rafa goodluck for tomorrow we miss u biting those trohpys !!!!!!
The haters won’t stay away for long they are probably on Murray’s website now slating him. I hope Rafa’s on his A game tomorrow with his timing on his serve as you can be sure whoever he’s playing against will jump on that band wagon to try and rattle him.
Hold your horses Pretty Maria, you easily 4get that it is because of the comments of the so-called haters that Rafa has improved over time! If we (the great MIROMO, the incredible J-Beer and the srupulous Deeep Thinker) had pampered him like the rest of you, Rafa would probably be ranked No 50 or so by now!!!
But we stood out from the majority crowd and spoke with the truth with one voice and you can now see the result today on Rafa!
Anyway, Rafa will surely win against Monfils (he won 6-1, 6-3 against his country man, Jo Tsonga). Rafa leads the head to head 11-2.
Vamossssssssssss Rafaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!
god bless u the great sir
So you, Deep Thinker are taking credit for Rafa’s win today, hmmmmmmm, did I see a new coach in players box, no it was Uncle Toni still. So pray tell us real Rafa fans where has your advice and that of all the other haters about a new coach being the way forward. Think not, it is all about confidence and self belief which can only come from the player himself at the end of the day. Vamos for tomorrow Rafa👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏🐃😀
you are one helluva delusional fruitcake Shallow Thinker! You REALLY believe Rafa is even AWARE that this site exists?????? It’s an independently owned and run site you brain-dead sausage O_O
Rafa simply wanted to win more than Andy. Result being that Rafa played better. Its being such a pleasure to watch him play this week !! Here in France Rafa is very popular so we don’t have problem as it seams to be with sky. Can’t wait for Roland Garrods.
Not so fast, Katrina, not so far.
Don’t let us underestimate the Terminator.
The Robot has been taken to his Repair Room to fix the wear and tear of a continuous winning spree and also have its battery recharged. Uh, there’s is nothing more dangerous than a half-smote viper!
We all should PRAY for Nadal come RG in May!!! Do not take the Sebinator for granted!!!!
Well said Deep Thinker
At least your allegiance as a Djokovic fan is now clear for all to see.
Stop pretending to support Nadal.
god bless u the great sir
god bless u the great sir
agree with you, Chris Nbakwe, Shallow Thinker is a delusional fruitcake who comes here to insult Rafa …..
i hear about commentators being bias ……i actually from last one year watched every rafa match by muting the volume
congratulations rafa for a great victory, coming from set down to take away the match with such scoreline against top player indeed will really helps ur confidence
i am so upset i couldn’t watch the match because of office works and timings……….though i was following scores, when i checked score u were a set down with that scoreline i beleive u need second set to turn up the match …….thanks god i will able to watch u tomorrow
i am so happy just to see u happy, u enjoying ur victory ………it really make me feel serene
Now the next match rafa ………..yes whoever it ur opponent both are playing great(scoreline suggest) and it is not at all a walkover ……………….so just practice well
enjoy ur win today
tomoroow final will be such an important landmark for ur confidence for rest of the year i believe
so vamos rafa
take rest and take care
btw i am missing novak it would be great thing to face him on this turf before RG
love u rafa …………the champ
Rafa,, congratulations,, you just made my day,, Good Hunting tomorrow,,,
BRILLIANT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 : ) : ) : ) : ) CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR BRILLIANT SOLID SEMI FINAL VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Sending lots of love & a great big massive hug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Very happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) You played beautifully and your win is classy & well earned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) ci….ci….ci….& big CI once again!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 : ) : ) : ) : ) Your aggressive play & strong returns are magnificent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) YOUR SERVE WAS GREAT & SOLID !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR CLASSY DETERMINATION & SPORTSMANSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) YOUR AGGRESSIVE GAME IS IMPRESSIVE & TOP TOP TOP BRILLIANT …..KUDOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) YOU TAKE TOP PLAYERS TO THE CLEANERS WITH SUCH PASSION …… & …. STEADFAST GRACE & PURPOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) YEH!!!!!!!!! VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) WE LOVE WATCHING YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Have a beautiful day sweetheart & Enjoy EVERYTHING !!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) That was a powerful strong win with great passionate aggressive play !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Thank you for all the fun & joy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) VAMOS !!!! : ) Have lots & lots of fun celebrating and enjoying your amazing strong victory with your great loyal team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Lots of love & happiness & have a fantastic time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) 🙂 VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
Fruitcake, if you cut back on all those stupid exclamation marks, some of us might actually read your blah blah blahs O_O
Good luck Rafa! Hope to see you biting that trophy tomorrow. Vamos!
I am confident that he WILL BITE THAT TROPHY TOMORROW!!! All his naysayers notwithstanding!!!
Rafa needs this trophy for his confidence. After 2 years without any Master 1000 and 4 years with no Monte-Carlo title, i am very happy to see him in the final.
Monfils or Tsonga won’t be a threat but Rafa needs to play with his anger like the beginning of set 2 today. I have never seen Rafa that angry when he missed the shot. After that, he really sank Andy.
My crystal ball tells me clearly that Rafa will win 6-4, 6-4 tomorrow.
So it has been written; so it shall be.
Great fight back from Rafa! Tremendous effort. Murray simply wilted after the first set. Good luck tomorrow champ!
I disagree that Murray wilted after the first set, the difference being that Rafa was able to up his energy level in the second set, and then was able to maintain that high level, like a TRUE CHAMPION! Rafa did not win because Murray wilted, he won because he is THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR!!!!
You are absolutelyright rafa 86. Rafa’s anger was so tremendous. It was as if he decided to whip Andy. He was pushing Andy out of the court and making him run around with his tongue out. Andy displayed tremendous defense but was clearly outplayed.
Hmmm……..
Sky commentators were unbearable and kept harping abt Rafa taking too much time and that is why he supposedly had advantage over Andy. Does that explain why Andy was losing his own service? Crap commentators… they need to abstain themselves from TV and vent their frustration somewhere else. Rafa has beaten the world number 2 today so there should not be negative comments today from fans and the way he has played has been brilliant. Murray looked clearly beaten in the third set. It will be a harder task to beat Rafa with the three sets win in french open.
Fantastic
Rafa is back!!! Sky commentators have been pathetic and had very negative comments about Rafa as he sent Andy packing. Shame on them! Andy got a free point in the first set as his ball was clearly out but umpire counted it as in unfairly. Rafa got upset and lost the subsequent games. Overall, this match showed that Rafa is back. He needs to win tomorrow to remind himself who he is…
I generally don’t take British Sky sports commentators seriously- especially when it comes to British sports men and women.
They can be very biased and just as petulant as Murray himself. Since yesterday, there has been a build up on the internet with majority of the British Press and public commenters insinuating that Murray will easily beat Nadal. The first set vindicated their assertions but as the match went on, they went into meltdown.
Victory is the best form of revenge!!
Vamos Rafa!! the GOAT!
Not so fast Presto, Rafa is not back until we hear from the naysayers! O_O
They will spell clearly why Rafa is not back, in spite of the trashing he gave an in-form Murray, who played very well. Except that Rafa played that much better!!!!
Let me guess some of Rafa’s ‘faults’ that the naysayers will spell out: he is showing signs of baldness, he scowls too much, all of which of course has absolutely nothing to do with tennis, but this won’t matter to zika-brain Laforge and village idiot MIROMO …….. LMAO
Rafa-86_still a gorgeous man!! Great win, great focus and strength of mind. The crowd firmly behind him. One more to go. Vamos Rafaaaa
Rafa 86 no matter what the naysayers say I am sure even Novak is getting worried about his chances for the french open this year if he watched this match today and especially after the thrashing he got by low ranked Vesely.
Totally agree with you Presto – I said last week that Rafa is now on a trajectory to beat Novak at their next meeting, and after today’s performance I am more convinced than ever!
Elizabeth, agreed …… nothing the naysayers bray about can take anything away from The Ultimate Warrior!!!
Come on then where are you all???grim reapers ..nothing to say?? Thought not..well played Rafa ..it’s not over till the fat lady sings sooo want you to win tomorrow good luck ..oh and as an afterthought hope all you sanctimonious know alls STAY AWAY
Agree Presto, I turned down the sound on Sky as commentators were so unprofessional and biased. Thought Rafa was not wise to get upset at that wrong call. He was so brave and strong to fight back, happy for him and his team. Now he has to win to morrow. Happy day Raftans all over the world.
RAFA WILL SURELY WIN AGAINST MONFILS TOMORROW, DEAR LIZZY.
OUR WINNING DAYS ARE BACK (No thanks to Novak)……
Hmmmm……..
On a day like this, you will not find J Beer and the other Nadal haters here.
If Nadal had lost, they will be the first set of people to comment, disingenuously berating the Champ.
Nadal had a dip in form and confidence and he is getting back to true form.
Well Done Nadal for a well played Match. Vamos!!!
On to Barcelona next.
Chris, there’s the little issue of the final tomorrow before Barcelona!
Apologies. Lol
Totally got caught up in the celebrations.
Whoever he faces tomorrow, it will be a difficult match.
Well said, Chris.
But he has to win Monte Carlo first , before Barca.
And it is looking more ,likely that he will bite the trophy again as Tsonga right now is down 6-1, 4-1!. Baring any miracle, Gael Monfils should win.
Somehow, I prefer Nadal playing Monfils than Tsonga, who is very, very tricky.
Yes, on to Barca we go!!!!!
Fantastic match! He plays his best tennis in the 2 & 3 set! Bravo! What was the discussion about? I couldn’t hear a thing>Skype sport TV> bad! About Nadal taking too much time? Why do they not complain when he is loosing? Its also then braking the rules! Win is a win and a fantastic, awesome win! Vamos campeon. Need to hold your serve too and hold the momentum! Congtats! We love you!!!!!
Gongradulations!!!!!!!!! Take time to breath and the next game is yours too
God Bless You
Kathy Kim
Medford, Oregon
YYYYYEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!1!!! VAAAAAMMMMOOOOOSSSSS!