Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, Monaco
Semifinal #1: [17] Lucas Pouille (FRA) vs. [24] Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP)
Pouille won their only previous encounter; however, that was on hard court. Ramos-Vinolas won their only encounter on clay in the deciding set, but that was not on Tour. I expected this match would be a battle and nerves would be a major factor as each was hoping to get to their first Masters final. They traded breaks early as they tried to settle their nerves and then Ramos-Vinolas found his game and broke again to win the first set. The second set was very competitive; however, as it drew to a close, Ramos-Vinolas felt the mounting pressure and lost his calm and his serve. This would be his third consecutive match that went to three sets and if he wanted to get to his first Masters final he would have to win it. Unfortunately a back injury hampered his opponent and it was a very easy set for the Spaniard. He won 6-3, 5-7, 6-1 and will contest his first Masters final tomorrow.
Semifinal #2: [7] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. [13] David Goffin (BEL)
This was the first meeting between these two and Goffin started off the match the same way he started his match against Novak Djokovic; he broke early and looked to be in total control of the first set. Unfortunately a horrendous call from the umpire would upset Goffin and completely change the tone of the match. He never regained his equilibrium and lost his game from that point on. Nadal started to play much better, sending his shots deeper in the court as he grew in confidence and turned the set around. The second set was a total disaster for Goffin and Nadal won it easily and the match 6-3, 6-1. He is still on track to win his tenth Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters title.
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I’m truly sorry for what happened during today’s match between Nadal and Goffin. Rafa…as long as I’ve been watching him play…has always been the consumate gentleman and fair player. Had he seen the correct mark from his side of the court…I’m sure that he would have said something. The fact that the umpire used the wrong mark on the court and granted the point to Nadal is not Nadal’s fault. The linesman never came forward either to defend the call he made. Mistakes and misscalls occur in every sport but Goffin’s problem was that he couldn’t get past it and get his head back in the game. That was his problem!! Goffin had every opportunity to win this match but he let his emotions get in the way and Rafa took advantage.
I agree, Nadal is the ultimate competitor and I have never seen him be anything but fair on the tennis court. He has been respectful of every opponent he’s played and has never shown poor sportsmanship in any of his matches I have watched.