World No.3 Rafael Nadal is definitely battling a tough contest against the rising star Andrey Rublev in the quarters of the Monte Carlo Masters 2021. Even though the Spaniard lost the first set, he is trying hard to make a comeback in his 16th consecutive quarter-final. The scoreline right now is 2-6, 6-4 with the third set yet to start.

It was the 8th game that caught the attention of fans. Although Rafael Nadal was trailing 3-4, he had an advantage in the game to level the scoreline. However, it was not easy as Andrey Rublev was in some magnificent form.

Rafa was clearly under pressure but he didn’t give up. After Rublev delivered a strong forehand to his opposite side, Rafa ran all the way to cover his court. He somehow managed to reach there and hit a backhand but only timed the ball so that it could cross the net.

Rublev ran forward and delivered a smashing forehand on the opposite side again. However, the 20-time Grand Slam champion was ready for it. He reached there and delivered a perfectly-timed and powerful forehand winner to level the scoreline.

Rafael Nadal and his strong forehand winners at the Monte Carlo Masters

It is not the first time when Rafa has managed to hit such a brilliant forehand winner. Even though Rublev did a major fault by giving the ball to Rafa on his strong side, it was Rafa who executed his shot to perfection.

Those who know the Spaniard also know his love for forehand winners. He likes to play them frequently and even likes to offer his forehand to the balls which come to his right side. He has done so on many previous occasions even at the Monte Carlo Masters.

With Novak Djokovic out of the competition, Rafa has a golden chance to win his 12th title in Monte Carlo this year. Even though it’ll be difficult for him to fight youngsters in the semis and the finals, clay is his forte and he’ll surely be the favorite to win the title. Will Rafa be able to once again outshine others and have a successful clay-court season this year yet again?

Also Read: “That Shows How Good He Is”: Rafael Nadal Lauds Grigor Dimitrov’s Sportsmanship at Monte Carlo Masters 2021

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