Eleven-time champion Rafael Nadal has booked his place in the semifinals of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters by beating Guido Pella 7-6(1), 6-3 this afternoon.
Rafa, who found himself one point away from a 1-5 deficit on three occasions in the first set, is now within two wins of his 12th title at the Monte-Carlo Country Club. Nadal converted seven of 13 break points to advance after two hours and 20 minutes.
After the match, Rafa said:
It was a very tough first set. Physically and mentally. Losing the first three games on serve was tough. But I found a way at the right time. I was lucky at 4-1 that he had two points to 5-1. If it was 5-1 it would be almost impossible. I was lucky to escape that moment and then I played better.
I finished the first set playing well and started the second set well. I played a terrible game serving for the match but I am very happy to be through. To be in the semi-finals here means a lot to me after all the things that’s happened.
Our champ now owns an astonishing 48-2 winning record against lefties on clay and has won 25 straight sets in Monte-Carlo.
The victory sets up a last-four meeting between Rafa and the winner of the quarterfinal match between Fabio Fognini and Borna Coric.
Source: ATP Tour
Good on you Rafa 👏🏻🥰Congratulations sweet champ 😍
Best of luck for tomorrows match – VAMOS! 🎾💪🏼😘
What a match, what a fight! It was nerve-wrecking in the first set, but Rafa showed us again why he is the toughest competitor, and the King of Clay! I’m glad that he survived the challenge. It’ll only make him stronger. Congratulations also to Pella who gave it all and some!
Rafa on clay is tennis at its best!
Rafa congratulations well don champ vamosssssssssss all the way ,you can do it 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪🎾🎾🎾❤️❤️❤️😘😘😘💪💪💪💪❤️😘🎾
ENHORABUENA RAFA.. Un partido duro pero lo has resuelto bien.. Adelante Rafa siempre contigo
Jeez Rafa! That was hard work, but you found a way to win and that’s the mark of a great champion.You’ll have to be up and running much quicker tomorrow. No slip ups PLEASE! Good luck champ.
Slow start in the first set. Great comeback and than much better in the second set. All the best for tomorrow. Vamos Rafa <3
Congratulation Rafa well played stay aggressive for next match I know you can win 12th time