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Rafael Nadal Monte Carlo Masters 2021

Rafa Nadal stunned by Andrey Rublev at Monte Carlo Masters


Rafael Nadal is out of the Monte Carlo Masters 2021 after a surprise defeat to Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals on Friday.

The 34-year-old is an 11-time champion in Monaco but was beaten by the Russian at the Masters 1000 tournament.

The Spaniard had won both of the pair’s previous meetings comfortably in straight sets but this time Rublev got the better of him. After losing the first set and going a break down in the second the Spanish great seemingly got his form back by winning 4 games in a row to level at one set all. But that was all the Spaniard had to give as the young Russian ran away with the third set to take the match comfortably 6-2 in the third.

Rublev will now face another young rising star in Casper Ruud who has reached his first Masters 1000 semi final.

A first time winner at Monte Carlo is now assured with Nadal’s exit. The semi final line up will be Dan Evans vs Stefanos Tsitsipas and Ruud versus Rublev.

(Photo credit Ray Giubilo)


Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.