Rafael Nadal Defeats Andy Murray

 

Andy Murray lost in the Monte Carlo Masters semi-final after coming up short against clay court specialist Rafael Nadal. The British No 1 suffered a 6-2 4-6 2-6 defeat on Saturday and Nadal will now play Gael Monfils in the final on Sunday

As the build-up to the French Open intensified, it was a stark reminder for Murray of the world No 7's prowess on his favoured surface - although the Brit was repeatedly frustrated at the umpire's generosity at Nadal's time-keeping. Murray had won their previous clay court match, in last year's Madrid Open final, but despite a positive start he was outmanoeuvred by the eight-time Monte Carlo champion who will now have a chance to win a ninth title.

The Dunblane man signalled his intentions in just the second game, opening break point which he ultimately couldn't convert. The first five games, not for a lack of Murray's pressure, went with serve. Leading 3-2, Murray finally found the breakthrough that he had been threatening. Nadal, busy in a row with the umpire, conceded three break points and Murray sealed the advantage at the second attempt before holding his subsequent serve.

A one-sided opening set was concluded with a second break for Murray who benefited from a wildly inaccurate Nadal smash, before striking a perfect drop shot. The Spaniard, the greatest ever clay court player, finally found his groove in the second set. An immediate break was cancelled out just as quickly by Murray but Nadal again won against the serve to go 4-3 ahead, winning an energy-sapping rally.

In the third set, Nadal once again began with a quick-fire break of serve owing to a pair of deft drop shots. Murray's movements had become laboured and, desperately defending his own service games, he conceded another break to go 4-1 down. Nadal's left hand continued to find its rhythm in the closing stages as he grew more commanding, and he saw out an arduous last game to book his 100th career final.