Rafael Nadal didn't let any time go to waste, breaking Monfils in the very first game. Coming into this game Monfils only faced a single break point in the first two rounds. Nadal created a break point and converted in the very first game of the match - granted Rafael Nadal is a little bit higher caliber than Ryan Harrison and Jack Sock (no offense to the young Americans).
The very next game was an epic 10+ minute back-and-forth clash. Nadal fought off numerous break points and sprayed the ball around beautifully. On the other side of the court, Monfils dug in and ran a marathon around the baseline staying in points, creating some break points. Monfils put a lot of energy, both physical and mental, into getting this break back and when Nadal eventually held serve Monfils looked dead.
After just the SECOND game of the match Monfils had already lost the match. After that 10+ minute service game for Nadal, he went on to break Monfils serve again and quickly ran away with the set 6-1.
The second set went pretty similarly, Nadal taking that one as well 6-2. Monfils just looked discouraged from the beginning and that doesn't bode too well when you're playing the number 1 player in the world. In the third set Monfils looked much better and a lot more energized, but when you give Rafael Nadal a two set advantage you can pretty much say goodnight. Rafael Nadal would go on to take the third set too 6-3 giving Rafael another straight set victory 6-1, 6-2, 6-3.
In the end, Nadal proved to be just too tough for the entertaining French veteran. The anticipated match up didn't have a very rewarding score line, but did provide some real entertaining points between the two. It should be noted in the second set Rafael had a 5-second scare when he seemed to hurt his right foot on a rather routine movement. He was seen limping off the court after the game and into the changeover. The next game Nadal moved gingerly for one or two points, but the injury seemed nonexistent after that, looking fine for the rest of the match.
Moving forward, Nadal will face off with the Japanese young talent Kei Nishikori. Nishikori is a crafty player, but shouldn't give Rafael Nadal too many problems presumably. With Juan Martin Del Potro going down early in the tournament the draw opens up a bit for Nadal. We should expect him to make it to another semi-final (as if we didn't expect it anyway) and possibly another final if he can get past the likes of Federer, Murray, or Tsonga. We're getting down to the business part of the tournament and Nadal is looking like he's right where he needs to be. No surprises here.
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