Nadal survives a great Dimitrov in Montecarlo

Rafa and the cramps stopped Dimitrov to achieve a great result. Baby Federer is getting closer and closer to the best to lose only at the 3rd set against Rafa.

Nadal started the match in great fashion to win the opener 6-2. Grigor didn’t unfold to keep his composure and to fight back and win the second set by 6-2.

The third set was a great battle. The critical point was when Grigor suffered from cramps in the decisive 9th game to lose the service. The Bulgarian gave it all in the last game when strugglingfrom cramps managed to save a match point with an astounding forehand down the line (see below)… than… Rafa is Rafa and won the match.

From Rafa

Rafa commented “I know that when you have these tough matches, it is decisive to keep fighting,If you keep fighting, you will lose some ones, but you will have a chance to win a lot of ones, too. 

“I gave that fight. Finally he had his chance, and I had my one, and I converted. That’s it. I think I played better the last couple of games. Obviously I’m trying to find better rhythm all the time. In my opinion, I did it in the end. It was great.”

 

From Grigor

“It’s a tough loss,”commented Dimitrov. “Of course, I think I gave everything I had today. I must say, all the credit to him. He’s an extraordinary player, extraordinary fighter. Today he obviously showed why he’s the best not only on that surface, I believe, but he’s one of the best out there. “

 

Next vs. Tsonga

Rafa will play Tsonga in the semifinal.The Frenchman has defeated Wawrinka 2-6 6-3 6-4. Head to head is 7-3 for Nadal. 1-0 on clay for the Spaniard.

2013 ATP Monte Carlo - Draw