Source: CCTV.com

04-19-2009 14:01

World number one Rafael Nadal remains in contention for a fifth consecutive title at the Monte Carlo Masters after he beat Britain's Andy Murray in their semi-final on Saturday.

Nadal has not dropped a set in Monte Carlo since the 2006 final against Roger Federer. This time, he pushed the fourth-seeded Murray far behind the baseline, leaving his opponent with little opportunity to attack. After the Spanish top seed wrapped up the opening set 6-2,

Murray played more aggressively at the start of the second, but Nadal was too strong and broke in the fourth game.

The 21-year-old was simply unable to contain the Spaniard. Murray served at match point down and Nadal won when the Scot netted a backhand after a match lasting two hours eight minutes.

Rafael Nadal, top seed, says, "I think it was my best match here in Monte Carlo this year, for sure. I played much better than the other days, playing with more rhythm with the forehand. I still have to improve a little bit more with the backhand, but I felt it better too."

The Spaniard will play world number three Novak Djokovic in Sunday's final after the Serb had earlier beaten Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka. The 13th-seed had upset fellow Swiss and three-times Monte Carlo finalist Roger Federer in the third round, and made the stronger start in this game. Wawrinka staved off four break points before snatching Djokovic's serve in the ninth game. After a double fault, he regained composure to wrap up the opening set 6-4.

The Serb put more pressure on Wawrinka in the second set, opening a 5-0 lead. He then leveled the match easily after making only five unforced errors and pocketing seven of his 27 points at the net.

In the decider, the Serb tightened his grip, breaking with a stunning forehand winner in a 10-minute fifth game. Djokovic then ended Wawrinka's resistance with a forehand winner to reach Sunday's final with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 victory.

Novak Djokovic, 3rd seed, says, "I am very delighted with the win and the first final here in Monte Carlo. I was aware that Stan won against Federer and many other good players here. He feels the ball quite good, and you know, he was on a roll."

 

Editor:Qin Yongjing