2013 Monte Carlo F: Nadal vs. Djokovic

[kskate2]

Rafa leads the series 19-14

The last clay court match was the Roland Garros final which Rafa won in 4 sets.

Who wins?

 

[tented]

Rafa in three.

 

[huntingyou]

what's the weather report? Very important factor to consider!

 

[El Dude]

I picked Rafa in three, although I almost think that if it goes to three Novak will pull it out. I do think that if Novak wins it will be in three - no way he takes Rafa in straights at Monte Carlo.

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

I am going to go with Novak. He will be pretty motivated to get under Rafa's skin early this clay court season. Handing him a loss at a tournament he has owned 8 years straight might be important to getting in his head for the rest of clay season. I think Novak knows this too.

 

[Denis]

Hoping and thinking Nole in two... if Djokovic can keep the ball deep and Nadal is not on top of his game.

 

[Kieran]

It's a lot to ask that Nadal comes back after 7 months and it all goes so well, eh? particularly since he's not playing so great here. But, it's on clay, so he wins...

 

[huntingyou]

what's the weather report? Very important factor to consider!

cool and wet...

Novak has an excellent opening then, given his improving form as the tournament reach the final. We all know what happened in the rain last year at RG......Rafa had no answers.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

This time I went with the one I want to win.
Nole in 3 sets.

This is the best shot Nole is going to get at winning this.

 

[Mog]

It's a lot to ask that Nadal comes back after 7 months and it all goes so well, eh? particularly since he's not playing so great here. But, it's on clay, so he wins...

Agree Rafa not playing great but I pick Rafa in three on clay.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

I am not ready to bet against Nadal on a clay final just yet. Rafa in 3.

 

[Andrew William]

Rafa in three.

You are correct, Sir!

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

rafa/wafa has dropped his level since indian welles, which was too high to sustain at that stage of his comeback..add in the cool/ damp conditions..and it seems like an excellent chance for djokovic to break nadal's winwinwinwinwinwinwinwin streak

djokovic can be...(sings) "the man who broke the streak in monte carlo".

 

[kskate2]

I agree w/ Murat. Not ready to bet against Nadal in the final of his fave tourney. Novak has picked up his level some while Rafa has dipped a bit, but I'll go w/ Rafa in 3.

 

[coban]

Must... Resist... Nadal... In three....

Djokovic in three, it will be a tough match no matter who wins, weather will be the deciding factor when it comes to conditions.

 

[the AntiPusher]

This is one time that I can honestly say that either player is playing excellent tennis during this event but Rafa has looked closer to form to date. The key to the match as i alluded to earlier this week is Rafa 1st serve percentage which has been at a poor WTA level as effectiveness and his return of serve has been even poorer. Djoker game has been subpar this week and he has been the beneficiary of a very favorable draw due to all the upset of the top ten players in his half of the draw. That being said, I am still picking Rafa in 2 sets because mentally Rafa has to compete at his very best, the horrors of the 2011 -2012 7 straight final loses still is very fresh in his memory. Tomi will have him ready. Trust me on this one.

 

[Moxie]

This is one time that I can honestly say that either player is playing excellent tennis during this event but Rafa has looked closer to form to date. The key to the match as i alluded to earlier this week is Rafa 1st serve percentage which has been at a poor WTA level as effectiveness and his return of serve has been even poorer. Djoker game has been subpar this week and he has been the beneficiary of a very favorable draw due to all the upset of the top ten players in his half of the draw. That being said, I am still picking Rafa in 2 sets because mentally Rafa has to compete at his very best, the horrors of the 2011 -2012 7 straight final loses still is very fresh in his memory. Tomi will have him ready. Trust me on this one.

I agree that Rafa has looked much closer to form, and where he got tested was arguably by better players, playing well. (Dimitrov particularly played at a very high level for two sets.) Novak's last 2 matches don't tell us much, given the nature of his opponents, either about his form or his ankle. However, they could well have done much for the confidence.

Weather looks to be a neutral factor: not likely to rain, not cold or hot, and not much wind.

It's Rafa and Nole, so the stakes are high, and they'll both know it. Both need to serve well, move well, and play aggressively. Nadal, especially, as he's mostly been able to get away with keeping it safe, up until now. But he's had good wake up calls in the last two days.

If form holds, I think Rafa wins. Even in 2. He needs to start out fast, which sometimes catches Nole sleeping, a bit. It seems that Novak has been able to work though his ankle problem, and hopefully that's not an issue. Nadal's knee is in recovery, and what he's re-finding is form. I'm pretty sure they'll both throw everything at it, tomorrow.

Could be another classic!

 

[Denis]

Bookies give the edge to Nadal (4/9 to Djokovic 7/4). Can't wait to see the match!

 

[tented]

Weather looks to be a neutral factor: not likely to rain, not cold or hot, and not much wind.

You sure Moxie?

http://www.accuweather.com/en/mc/monte-carlo-spelugues/1097282/hourly-weather-forecast/1097282?hour=9

Looks like the match will be delayed. :s

 

[Moxie]

Weather looks to be a neutral factor: not likely to rain, not cold or hot, and not much wind.

You sure Moxie?

http://www.accuweather.com/en/mc/monte-carlo-spelugues/1097282/hourly-weather-forecast/1097282?hour=9

How can I be sure? It's a weather forecast, in the Spring, in a coastal location. Other forecasts, (weather.com, or wunderground.com,) put the percentage forecast of rain at below 50%. I'm taking an average, and saying that it's likely not to feature. You hoping for crappy weather, thinking that's your man's best chance?