Indo-Pak Express sent packing
The Indo-Pak Express comprising Pakistan tennis ace Aisamul Haq Qureshi and his Indian partner Rohan Bopanna crashed out of the Monte Carlo ATP Masters Tennis Championship after being defeated 6-2, 6-7, 10-7 in the semi-final by Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina and Bruno Soares of Brazil.
The subcontinental pair got off to a shaky start losing the first set but looked strong as they clinched the second set. However, their opponents proved too strong after they handed the duo a defeat in a well-contested encounter. Chela and Soares will now face the Bryan brothers in the final.
Nadal fires to victory
Clay King Rafael Nadal needed to produce one of his most stunning performances on clay to edge an injured Andy Murray 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 and book a place in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters.
For the 15th time in the last two decades, a Spaniard will figure in the title match at the Country club, with six-time winner Nadal bidding for a seventh straight title here against compatriot David Ferrer. The Spanish fourth seed earlier ended the surprise run of Jurgen Melzer 6-3, 6-2, a day after the Austrian had put out Roger Federer.
“It was a very physically demanding match,” said Nadal, as he gears up for next month’s French Open.
Not even Ferrer would bet against the top seed ending his mini title drought today.
“It’s very difficult to beat Nadal of course. He is the best player in history on clay,” said Ferrer.
Murray injured
Nadal needed just shy of three hours to go past Murray, who was reportedly nursing an injured right elbow and who received treatment in the third set after putting up a titanic struggle in the first two sets.
“I’ve never had a problem with my elbow before,” said Murray. “I’m happy I gave it my best but I think I can do better.”
Nadal has now won 36 straight matches in the principality heading into his clash with Ferrer, who he has beaten 11 times in 15 encounters. Murray fought a 65-minute opening set, going down in the end but rallying well in the second with an attacking game that left Nadal puzzled as to the best response.
Ferrer trounces Melzer
Fourth-seed Ferrer roared back from a shaky start to cruise into the final with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Melzer.
Austria’s Melzer was inspired after beating Roger Federer on Friday to prevent the top four seeds from reaching the semi-final but he was only half as potent against the Spaniard.
Melzer broke early for 2-1 as Ferrer struggled with his first serve but the Austrian inexplicably let his opponent back in by losing his serve twice, with a double fault effectively sealing his fate in the first set.
“Maybe the key was in my serve,” said Ferrer.
“I played very consistently and didn’t make mistakes. I was very regular and focused throughout the match. I’m very pleased to be in the finals of a Masters 1000.”
Although Austrian Melzer said the neck pain that forced him off court for treatment against Federer was not a problem on Saturday, he lost his way as Ferrer’s steady game paid dividends to frustrate his opponent.
Fourth-seed David Ferrer
It’s very difficult to beat Nadal of course. He is the best player in history on clay. But I’m very pleased to be in the finals of a Masters 1000.
Third-seed Andy Murray
I had a cortisone injection and local anaesthetic. I’ve never had a problem with my elbow before. I’m happy I gave it my best but I think I can do better.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 17th, 2011.
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