Nadal powers to Monte Carlo Masters final
Saturday, 26 Apr 2008 16:16
Nadal reaches Monte Carlo final
Spain's Rafael Nadal brushed aside Nikolay Davydenko in straight sets to reach the final of the Monte Carlo Masters.
The world number two went into the semi-final with form on his side, having made the final in each of the past four events and not lost a set since his victory over Roger Federer in 2006.
Though he recently beat the 21-year-old to win the Miami Masters, the Russian never looked like threatening this impressive record and Nadal managed to win the first set 6-3 without having to face a break point.
Despite Davydenko then breaking Nadal's serve early in the second set, the Spaniard then broke back himself twice, allowing him to take the second and decisive set 6-2.
The result means the Spaniard will face either world number one Federer or Novak Djokovic from Serbia in the final as he attempts to become the first player since New Zealander Anthony Wilding in 1914 to win four titles in a row.
Of his last 98 matches on clay, Nadal has won an impressive 97, though he could face a stiff test should Federer get through his semi-final, with the Swiss recently declaring that he felt he was getting back to playing his best tennis for some time after what has been, by his standards, a blip in form.