Murray shocks shaky Nadal
MADRID: Andy Murray dealt the clay comeback dream of Rafael Nadal a bitter blow yesterday as the Scot defeated the four-time champion 6-3 6-2 to win his first major clay title at the Madrid Masters.
Six days after breaking through for a career-first clay trophy, world number three Murray showed that his Munich success last Monday was no fluke as he schooled king of clay Nadal in 88 minutes.
“It was a very tough match for me,” said Murray. “Beating Rafa on clay is one of the toughest things in tennis.
“Even at the end when I served for it I felt under pressure. I played a good match and really went for my shots. I’m glad I managed to win.
“Finally to Rafa, I’m sure in a couple of weeks you will be back playing your best tennis before Roland Garros (French Open). I’m sure we will play many more matches in the future.”
Nadal was downcast but not overwhelmed by the result. “You are having a great season,” he told Murray. “You were better than me today.
“This was a very important week for me, a very positive week. I’m looking to do better things in Paris,” he said.
Nadal had been hoping to kickstart a so-so season looking forward to Rome next week and the French Open to follow in less than a fortnight.
Instead, he drops to seventh in the rankings, putting him outside the Top 5 for the first time in a decade when he stood seventh in May 2005 on his rise to the top.
The loss was only the 28th on clay for Nadal, who has won 333 on his favourite surface; the defeat was one of his heaviest ever in a three-set clay match with his total of just five winning games.
Nadal can claim only one minor clay title – in Argentina last February – since winning a ninth Roland Garros last June.
Since then, the 28-year-old has been dragged down by poor form and long-term injuries and an appendix operation last November.
Murray broke Nadal three times as the Spaniard contributed 26 unforced errors and failed to convert on any of his three break points against Murray.
The Scot matched Nadal in groundstroking battles from the baseline on the Spaniard’s home clay at the Caja Magica.
Nadal came to the match with a 15-5 advantage over Murray in their series and had won all six of their clay meetings.
Murray won his 10th Masters 1000 title and 33rd trophy overall (33-18).