Rafael Nadal's 2017 renaissance continues in Monte Carlo

After reaching three finals on hard courts in the first quarter of the season, what could the tennis world expect from Rafael Nadal when he returned to his beloved clay?

If his run at the Monte Carlo Masters this week is any indication, a return to dominant form would be the answer.

Nadal defeated David Goffin in the semifinals in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1, to reach the title match in his first tournament of the year on clay. After a hiccup in his opener against Kyle Edmund, the fourth-seeded Spaniard has won his last three matches in straight sets.

Against Goffin, who defeated Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, he was tested early. Playing the Belgian for the first time, Nadal was down a break early and Goffin consolidated it to take a 4-2 lead—or so he thought.

Chair umpire Cedric Mourier overruled a call on a ball hit long by Nadal. The two were forced to replay the point, and Goffin—incensed by the overrule—lost the game and with it, any momentum that he had.

Television replays showed the ball was out, but Hawkeye technology isn’t used on clay courts, so Goffin was unable to challenge.

Regardless, Nadal is through to the final and he’ll be going for his 10th title in Monte Carlo. His next opponent is Albert Ramos-Vinolas, who defeated Lucas Pouille 6-3, 5-7, 6-1.

Ramos-Vinolas has shown that his early-round win over world No. 1 Andy Murray was no fluke.

The 15th-seeded Spaniard has now defeated three opponents in a row ranked higher than him: Murray, world No. 8 Marin Cilic and now 17th-ranked Pouille. Ramos-Vinolas and Pouille split the first two sets in a back-and-forth battle, then Ramos-Vinolas got off to a quick start in the third, going up 3-0. Pouille left the court to get treatment for his back, but it twas too little, too late, as Ramos-Vinolas raced through the decider to reach the first Masters final of his career.

Can his dream week continue? Chances are that it will come to an end, as Nadal has been playing like it’s 2005-’12/2016 again at the Monte Carlo Country Club. Still, beating a No. 1 is sure to instill some confidence in the young Spaniard, who will have nothing to lose come final time.

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