NADAL TRIUMPHS

Rafa Nadal defeated Roger Federer in the finals of Monte Carlo 6-4, 6-4.The identical scores in both sets do not indicate how close the match was. The first set was very close – Roger had set points. The second, however , Roger was struggling to hang on.

ANALYSIS

Nadal pummels Federer’s backhand by hitting every shot with his forehand which spins the ball high [above his shoulders] to Fed’s backhand. Eventually, Nadal elicits an error or a short ball which he puts away.

Federer is trying to keep his backhand down-the-line to Nadal’s bh. If Federer hits his bh cross-court, then Nadal will punish him with another forehand cross-court to Fed’s bh.

If Federer gets a forehand, he’ll try to hit a forcing shot or a winner. This will lead to a higher than usual number of fh errors – like to-day.

Federer’s serve didn’t hold up to-day. By trying to force it [usually more severe angles],

He missed more than half his first serves. Not getting his first it meant Nadal would return aggressively and Federer was stuck hitting bh’s.

The solution, for me, hinges on his serve. Two thirds of his firsts must go in and he must go in, too, more often. Maybe not all serve-volley, but get to net on his forceful serve.

Monte Carlo is only a stop on the road to the City of Lights. Rome and Hamburg will be played by both before the French. He will improve every tournament.

But will he be ready for Paris?