Rafa Nadal Looks Ahead to Clay-Court Tennis, He Plays In Monte-Carlo On Wednesday

By Ricky Dimon

 

Clay may be just what the doctor ordered for Rafael Nadal.

 

This time of the year always comes bearing gifts for Nadal, and it could not be coming at a better time in 2019. The 32-year-old once again fell victim to the physical toll of hard courts, withdrawing from what was supposed to be an Indian Wells semifinal showdown against Roger Federer due to a knee problem. A month off and a return to his favorite surface should have the world No. 2 back in business.

 

Having practiced on dirt for a couple of weeks, Nadal is ready to take the match court for a third career meeting with Roberto Bautista Agut in round two of the Monte-Carlo Masters on Wednesday afternoon. The head-to-head stands at 2-0 in favor of the 17-time slam champ, who prevailed 6-4, 6-3 in the 2014 Madrid semifinals before cruising to a 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 blowout in the fourth round of the 2017 French Open.

 

If Nadal is 100 percent, he is set up nicely to once again dominate the clay-court swing–perhaps pocketing 12th titles both in Monte-Carlo and at the French. The Spaniard is not only well-rested but he has also been in fine form…when healthy. He is sporting an 11-2 record this season, which includes a runner-up performance at the Australian Open.

 

“It’s the start of the important clay season for me,” Nadal assured. “I hope to be healthy; I hope to be ready to compete well. This tournament is important for me and I hope to be competitive from the beginning.

 

“We can’t predict the future. I hope to be one of [the contenders on clay], but you never know. There is a young generation coming, and they are good. They play well on clay, too. Dominic (Thiem) is one of the candidates for everything, especially after winning in Indian Wells. Novak (Djokovic) always, of course. Let’s see. Roger (Federer) is always a candidate; let’s see how he’s able to adapt his game again to the clay after a while without playing on clay. I don’t think it will be a big trouble for him because he has the talent.”

 

Baustista Agut has never been among the aforementioned group at the very top of the sport and he is one of the few Spaniards who is actually better on hard courts than on clay. Against Nadal, obviously, the world No. 22’s last choice for a surface would be the slow stuff. if there is any good news for Bautista Agut heading into this tough test, it’s that he is an outstanding 15-4 this year and coming off a quarterfinal finish at the Miami Masters (upset Djokovic in the fourth round). RBA started slow in his Monte-Carlo opener on Monday but recovered to beat John Millman 3-6, 6-1, 6-1.

 

On anything other than clay Bautista Agut would have a real shot against Nadal on clay right now. But on clay? Doubtful.

 

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand. You can follow him on twitter at @Dimonator.