RAFA NADAL ENDS DAVID GOFFIN’S RUN, RAMOS-VINOLAS MAKES IT AN ALL-SPANISH MONTE-CARLO TENNIS FINAL WITH WIN OVER POUILLE

Written by: Staff on 22nd April 2017

RAFA NADAL ENDS DAVID GOFFIN'S RUN, RAMOS-VINOLAS MAKES IT AN ALL-SPANISH MONTE-CARLO TENNIS FINAL WITH WIN OVER POUILLE

epa05921477 Rafael Nadal of Spain in action against David Goffin of Belgium during their semi final match at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 22 April 2017. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER |

By Ricky Dimon

The ATP tournament in Barcelona does not begin until next week, but the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters has become a Spanish party this weekend.

At least one Spaniard will lift a winner’s trophy on Sunday, and that number will reach three if Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez capture the doubles title. As for the singles championship, that will see Rafael Nadal go up against Albert Ramos-Vinolas after the two compatriots scored respective wins over David Goffin and Lucas Pouille on Saturday afternoon.

The Nadal-Goffin showdown was marred by a horrendous call from chair umpire Cedric Mourier with Goffin serving up 3-2 in the first set. On the Belgian’s game point, Nadal struck a forehand well past the baseline–but Mourier inexplicably left his chair to check the mark (even though Nadal didn’t ask him) and pointed to one that was catching the baseline. Hawkeye showed the shot to be way out, but Mourier ruled for the point to be replayed and Nadal eventually broke serve to get back on level terms at 3-3.

Goffin collapsed thereafter as Nadal coasted to a 6-3, 6-1 victory in one hour and 29 minutes.

“It’s tough to believe that I’m in a final again here,” the nine-time Monte-Carlo champion commented. “It’s unbelievable news for me. It’s another great event. Having all these great results since the beginning of the season allows me to still have a position in the top eight. That’s a very important thing for me. I’m able to start the clay-court season playing a final in one of the most important events of the year. It’s a very special place for me and this is something that makes me feel very happy.”

David Goffin of Belgium in action against Rafael Nadal of Spain during their semi final match at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 22 April 2017. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER

“It was a beautiful tournament,” Goffin said despite the loss. “I gave it my all. I’m very satisfied with what I achieved against the best players in the world on a surface that I like. It’s only positive. I have to keep working in that direction. I think I improved this week and I know now that I can have high ambitions.”

The best week of Ramos-Vinolas’ career continued with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-1 win over Pouille. It was the world No. 24’s third straight three-set victory and it lasted two hours and 19 minutes.

“I feel a little disappointed, of course,” Pouille admitted. “He played a very good match. He’s been playing well since the beginning of the tournament. As I said, even (though) on paper he had a lower ranking, he’s still a very good player. He’s in good shape right now. It was very difficult to play him.”