Rafa Nadal continues to build onto an already massive career as he wins the Madrid Masters. In a rematch of the Barcelona final, Rafa Nadal overcame a fierce challenge from Dominic Thiem in two tight sets, 7-6 (10-8), 6-4. This title gives Rafa hit 30th ATP Masters title, putting him in a tie with Novak Djokovic for most Masters 1000 titles to date. It also allows Rafa to move up the rankings to #4, supplanting Roger Federer. He is now also the current leader in the ATP Singles Race as he has amassed more points in 2017 so far than anyone else.
I have to say thought that I am a little bit worried that Nadal may have peaked a bit too early. There is still the Rome Masters before Roland Garros and he might run out of steam by the time we get to the second Grand Slam event of the year. However, there are many positive things going for him. First, he survived a set point against Thiem in the first set tie-break, showing that he still has the will and the mental fortitude to fight for each point. Second, he finally snapped a 3-year, 7-match losing streak to Djokovic, whom he beat in straight sets in the semifinals. Third, he has won all his claycourt matches this year so far. These should all help give Rafa much-needed confidence and the battle-readiness to help him win the French Open. I'm still trying not to hope too much since I don't want to be disappointed, but with how things have been going in the last few months, there are decent odds for Rafa to win another major title. Good luck, Rafa!
I have to say thought that I am a little bit worried that Nadal may have peaked a bit too early. There is still the Rome Masters before Roland Garros and he might run out of steam by the time we get to the second Grand Slam event of the year. However, there are many positive things going for him. First, he survived a set point against Thiem in the first set tie-break, showing that he still has the will and the mental fortitude to fight for each point. Second, he finally snapped a 3-year, 7-match losing streak to Djokovic, whom he beat in straight sets in the semifinals. Third, he has won all his claycourt matches this year so far. These should all help give Rafa much-needed confidence and the battle-readiness to help him win the French Open. I'm still trying not to hope too much since I don't want to be disappointed, but with how things have been going in the last few months, there are decent odds for Rafa to win another major title. Good luck, Rafa!
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