Source: CCTV.com
04-20-2009 10:23
In tennis, Rafael Nadal was pushed all the way by Novak Djokovic before clinching a record fifth successive Monte Carlo masters title in a thrilling final that lasted 2 hours and 43 minutes.
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| Spanish world number one Rafael Nadal poses with his trophy after the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series final, in Monaco. Nadal won his fifth successive Monte Carlo title by beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic 6-3, 2-6, 6-1. (AFP/Stephane Danna) |
Djokovic dominated the opening games, taking a 3-1 lead with some punishing ground stroke winners. It wasn't long though before Rafael Nadal found his rhythm, and the four time French Open champion reeled off five straight games to grab the first set 6-3.
Djokovic took a more aggressive approach in the second set, putting Nadal under increased pressure by repeatedly coming to the net. The Serbian was rewarded with a break of serve in the opening game, which he clinched with one of the rallies of the tournament. The world number three picked up another break of serve to take a 4-1 lead and went on to take the set 6-2.
Both players produced remarkable tennis at the start of the deciding set. This time it was Nadal who came out on top to gain a record fifth straight title at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Rafael Nadal, Monte Carlo masters Champion, said, "Yes, an amazing feeling to win here the title I already had, so it's really unbelievable for me. I never expected something like this and this is more than I dreamed."
