Djokovic ends Rafael Nadal reign
22 April 2013 1:53 AM GMT
Novak Djokovic ended Rafael Nadal’s dreams of a record ninth successive Monte Carlo Masters title with a 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) victory in the final on Sunday.
The world number one had been a doubtful starter this week with an injured ankle but played through the pain to lift his first trophy in the principality, the 37th of his career and 14th at the Masters 1000 level.
It was also a huge psychological boost ahead of next month’s French Open where Nadal is a record seven-time champion. Nadal had reigned supreme at the Monte Carlo Country Club since his last loss in 2003, when he was still a teenager, and had won every edition since 2005. Djokovic, who achieved the win in one hour, 51 minutes, was overwhelmed to have beaten the king of clay.
‘It’s such a great pleasure to win here, it’s very special,’ said the Serb who is based in the principality. ‘I live here and love this event Rafa, it was a pleasure again, thanks for allowing me to win here at least once,’ he joked during the trophy ceremony. ‘I can’t ask for a better start.’
The world number one had been a doubtful starter this week with an injured ankle but played through the pain to lift his first trophy in the principality, the 37th of his career and 14th at the Masters 1000 level.
It was also a huge psychological boost ahead of next month’s French Open where Nadal is a record seven-time champion. Nadal had reigned supreme at the Monte Carlo Country Club since his last loss in 2003, when he was still a teenager, and had won every edition since 2005. Djokovic, who achieved the win in one hour, 51 minutes, was overwhelmed to have beaten the king of clay.
‘It’s such a great pleasure to win here, it’s very special,’ said the Serb who is based in the principality. ‘I live here and love this event Rafa, it was a pleasure again, thanks for allowing me to win here at least once,’ he joked during the trophy ceremony. ‘I can’t ask for a better start.’
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