Rafael Nadal moved a step closer to clinching his 10th Monte Carlo Masters title with a routine victory over David Goffin in the semi-final in Monaco. He won 6-3, 6-1 in one hour and 30 minutes.
Rafa will face next compatriot Albert Ramos-Vinolas, who reached his first Masters final by beating Lucas Pouille.
According to ATP World Tour, Rafa is now one match win away from becoming the first man in the Open Era (since April 1968) to earn 10 tournament titles. With victory over Ramos-Vinolas he will clinch a record 50th clay-court crown. On Sunday, the superstar will also be pursuing his first ATP World Tour title since 24 April 2016 in Barcelona (d. Nishikori) and the 70th crown of his career.
Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against David Goffin of Belgium in their semi final round match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 22, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 21, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backand against David Goffin of Belgium in their semi final round match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 22, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 21, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand volley against David Goffin of Belgium in their semi final round match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 22, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 21, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backand volley against David Goffin of Belgium in their semi final round match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 22, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 21, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a backand volley against David Goffin of Belgium in their semi final round match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 22, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 21, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against David Goffin of Belgium in their semi final round match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 22, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 21, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal raises his racket after winning his semifinal match against Belgium’s David Goffin at the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters tournament in Monaco, Saturday, April, 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates match point against David Goffin of Belgium in their semi final round match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 22, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 21, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain shakes hands at the net after his straight sets victory against David Goffin of Belgium in their semi final round match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 22, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 21, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain shakes hands at the net after his straight sets victory against David Goffin of Belgium in their semi final round match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 22, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 21, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates to the crowd after his straight sets victory against David Goffin of Belgium in their semi final round match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 22, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 21, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates to the crowd after his straight sets victory against David Goffin of Belgium in their semi final round match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 22, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 21, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates to the crowd after his straight sets victory against David Goffin of Belgium in their semi final round match on day seven of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 22, 2017 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 21, 2017 – Source: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe)
It’s been the same old scenario in this tournament – players are coming out super aggressive against Rafa and blowing themselves out which is pretty much what Goffin was doing before the incident. Koenig had just commented on his unforced error count increasing just before the bad call. Goffin started to look distressed before the incident – struggling to hold serve and the game going on and on. Goffin said himself – he needed 100% all of the time so the bad call ended it. I’m sorry for Goffin but also sorry for Rafa – this has not helped him one bit. If he loses today it’ll be because of this crap.
As for mental strength – Rafa at 18 was booed for no good reason at a tournament he went on to win. At 24 and an experienced top level player beating some of the best – if Goffin could have come back he would have.
Well I’m off to Barcelona today – hopefully I’ll see Rafa and, more hopefully, a lot of love for him there.