Whatever sadness attended the dethroning of Rafael Nadal as the King of Monte Carlo on Sunday after a reign of eight years and 46 consecutive matches unbeaten should be tempered by the acceptance that Novak Djokovic was the most convincing of insurrectionists.
The world No1 battered the champion's faltering backhand (21 unforced errors was not a pretty sight) for an hour and 52 minutes and sealed a 6-2, 7-6 victory with an unreachable forehand in the corner as his old rival collapsed in the tie-break. Had it gone to a third set, the result probably would have been the same.
Both carried injuries – Nadal's chronically weak left knee probably more burdensome than Djokovic's seemingly rehabilitated right ankle – and they had each shown vulnerability during the week in the first Masters 1000 of the European season. But it was still a compelling final, one delayed by rain and concluded in glorious sunshine, certainly more competitive than last year, when Nadal dismissed Djokovic 6-3, 6-1 and went on to beat him again in the French Open final five weeks later.
"All the motivation and positive energy came from you, over so many years," Nadal told the packed Court Central after passing on his crown to Djokovic, who addressed the crowd in French – as any Monte Carlo resident would.He might just be starting a reign of his own at this lovely venue.
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