Rafael Nadal got off to a flying start at the Monte-Carlo Masters 2021, knocking out Argentine Federico Delbonis 6-1, 6-2 in the second round. He is now looking forward to challenging his good friend Grigor Dimitrov in the Last 16.

The Spaniard is behind on match-time compared to his next opponent. Nadal has only participated in the Australian Open, where he lost in the quarterfinal, before coming to Monte-Carlo. Despite that, and the gap between Australia and Monaco, the 34-year-old looked as good as he does playing on clay.

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Rafael Nadal on facing Grigor Dimitrov at Monte-Carlo Masters 2021

On the other side, the 29-year-old Bulgarian is on his 5th tournament of this year already. More importantly, he has reached the quarterfinals stage in three of the previous four tournaments. Thus, the 20-time Grand Slam champion understands how big a threat Dimitrov is.

2018 ATP Finals winner Grigor Dimitrov overcame Jan-Lennard Struff and Jeremy Chardy, both in straight sets to meet Rafael Nadal. In response, the Spaniard expressed that the matchup would be challenging, but he will be ready.

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“He started the season playing well. Always a tough battle in front of him. He is a great player, a good friend of mine. I need to play my best if I want to really have chances to keep going,” Rafa said smilingly. He concluded with his humble “I am gonna try” phrase.

The Spaniard has a whopping 13 to 1 lead in the head-to-head battle against Dimitrov. The last and only time the Bulgarian won against Nadal was at the 2016 China Open quarterfinals. Therefore, the 29-year-old will have to create magic if he desires to win against the king of clay on clay.

Not to mention, Nadal is the record 11-time champion of the Monte-Carlo Masters. Moreover, he would not be satisfied with anything less than the title.

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What are the chances of Nadal winning the Monte-Carlo title this year?

Nadal has to endure a rigorous path to make it to the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters. As per his side of the draw, he will meet World No. 8 Andrey Rublev or his compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut next.

Since Daniil Medvedev pulled out of the tournament after testing positive, the semi-final spot is open in Rafa’s side of the draw. If all goes right, fans will witness a Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic battle on clay once again. However, the Spaniard takes every match seriously and will pin his entire focus on dismantling Dimitrov right now.

Who do you think will win the Monte-Carlo Masters 2021 title?

Monte Carlo Masters 2021: Rafael Nadal vs Grigor Dimitrov, Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction