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Friday, March 29, 2024

Novak Djokovic spoils Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer party

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Rafael Nadal claimed the first ATP title on hard court in style. The 19-year-old toppled Andre Agassi in the 2005 Montreal final to make a name for himself on the most common surface. Two years later, Nadal did not play at the level required to chase the title despite beating Marat Safin, Paul-Henri Mathieu and Frank Dancevic.

The 3rd seed Novak Djokovic awaited in the semi-final and proved too strong for Rafa. The Serb earned a 7-5, 6-3 victory to set the title clash against Roger Federer. It was the second victory for Novak over Rafa in seven encounters.

Djokovic had suffered losses to Nadal in Rome, Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the previous three months before finding his A-game in Montreal to advance into the final. Djokovic fired 11 aces and defended all eight break chances to keep the pressure on the other side.

He broke Nadal twice from four opportunities to seal the deal in straight sets and remain on the title course.

Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in straight sets in Montreal 2007.

The Serb had 25 winners and forced over 30 mistakes from Nadal, standing as the more aggressive player and looking eager to beat the rival after tough Roland Garros and Wimbledon losses.

Djokovic built a massive advantage in the shortest range up to four strokes. He toppled Nadal in the most extended exchanges to seal the deal in style and prepare for another formidable rival in the battle for the trophy. Rafa saved a break point with a forehand winner in the fourth game and closed it with a service winner to level the score at 2-2.

Delivering one comfortable hold after another, Novak opened a 4-3 advantage before Rafa fired a backhand crosscourt bullet in the next one to remain in touch. In one of the pivotal moments, Djokovic fended off three break chances at 5-5 and forced Nadal’s error in the next one to take the set 7-5 and gain a massive boost.

Novak erased a break chance at the beginning of the second set and an additional four at 1-1, never facing trouble on serve again. Serving at 3-4, Nadal netted a slice to suffer a break and fall behind. Djokovic served for the victory in the next one and sealed the deal with a hold at love for his third Masters 1000 final of the season.

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