In the semi-finals of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo (live from 1:30 pm on SKY and in our live ticker) there will be a great duel. Rafael Nadal and Grigor Dimitrov meet.
Different laws apply on clay in a match against Rafael Nadal – this will also be the case in the Monte Carlo semi-final for Grigor Dimitrov. Nadal beat Dominic Thiem in an impressive manner, leaving the 24-year-old only two games, handing out the famous and unloved bagel in the first set.
The performance of the ten-time tournament winner in the Principality dispelled any doubt that he is the man to beat. The Bulgarian Dimitrov has written this mission on the task sheet for the tournament Saturday and wants to rewrite the script in Monaco.
To do this, he has to adapt to a few things that are otherwise only rarely found on the tennis courts. Nadal’s backhand is doing even more damage than usual at this year’s Masters tournament. Especially the crosscourt whip often finds the line and gives the Mallorcan free points. Besides the cracking forehand, Nadal’s backhand was often only there for protection and was used by the Spaniard as a solid and constructive means.
This year, however, the sand court king seems even more self-confident and is also going for winners with his “weaker” shot. There is no need to discuss the Spaniard’s parade. Cross, longline or as “banana” – the forehand always finds its way to free points and makes the opponents look old by the dozen.
But what can Dimitrov do about it? Especially an excellent physical and defensive game. But this is exactly what the 26-year-old must not allow himself to be pushed into. Nadal and his offensive play is too good for that.
Dimitrov will try to get closer to the baseline and take Nadal’s time. Dimitrov has the skill and intelligence of the game in him – he has proven this often enough. Unlike Nadal, Dimitrov had to give David Goffin more strength in the quarter-finals. The 6:4 and 7:6 (5) was a hard fight, which Dimitrov could win mainly because of his driving repertoire.
The semi-final duel between the two heavyweights Nadal and Dimitrov could become a feast for the eyes of tennis. Provided Dimitrov finds his way into the game right from the start and does not allow himself to be forced into the famous “Nadal Mill”. Forehand cross, forehand cross, forehand longline and press the trigger at the end – that is the great strength of the Spaniard on the opposite side. And no player is as consistent as Nadal when it comes to taking advantage of opportunities from the half-field. Dimitrov must be prepared for this and try to avoid these situations.
If he manages that, then he can hurt Nadal with his service and the one-handed backhand from the picture book. Tension pre-programmed!