Monte-Carlo: Rafael Nadal eliminated by Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals – Jean-Francois Badias / AP / SIPA
Rafael Nadal said he was “ready and confident” before attacking the season on clay. And we, well, we pained our adversaries in advance. And yet: this Friday Andrey Rublev (8th in the world) knocked out the Spaniard (3rd) 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 in 2:32, in the quarter-finals of the Masters 1000 in Monte-Carlo. Rublev will find Casper Ruud (27th) in the last four.
Nadal did not show himself at the top of his game, committing many faults, but he was often taken by the violent and precise blows of the Russian. The latter will play his second Masters 1000 semi-final after that of Miami earlier this month.
Medvedev, Djokovic and Nadal out
“For him, it must be incredibly difficult to play with this pressure of always having to win. I am shocked to see the level to which he can evolve despite this pressure. It’s much easier to play when you have nothing to lose, ”commented Rublev.
After the exclusion of world No.2 Daniil Medvedev for a positive test for Covid-19 before the start of the tournament, then the elimination of No.1 Novak Djokovic the day before in the round of 16, Nadal is the third headliner to leave the Monegasque tournament.
The Spaniard hadn’t played since the Australian Open in February before aligning himself with the Monaco tournament he has won eleven times.