Rafael Nadal vs Grigor Dimitrov: Monte Carlo Masters 2021 Prediction | Preview | H2H Analysis

The third seed Rafael Nadal locks horns against the 14th seed Grigor Dimitrov in the pre-quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Open. 

Rafael Nadal vs Grigor Dimitrov: Preview

Rafael Nadal comfortably outplayed Argentinian Federico Delbonis 6-1 6-2 in the round of 32. The Spaniard clinched 73% and 65% of points on his first and second serve respectively and also fired 16 winners. 

“It was a solid match, of course, a very positive result and a positive start, I think I did what I had to do today," said Rafael Nadal after the thumping victory against Delbonis. 

On the other hand, Grigor Dimitrov outlasted French veteran Jeremy Chardy 7-6(3) 6-4 in the second round. The Bulgarian did not commit a single double fault and claimed 73% of his first-serve points. Grigor also saved 6 out of 7 breakpoints.

The match is scheduled to begin at 1:40 PM Central Europe Time

Rafael Nadal vs Grigor Dimitrov: H2H Record

Rafael Nadal leads the head-to-head record by a one-sided margin of 13-1 against Grigor Dimitrov. The two players met at the same stage in the Monte Carlo Open 2019 which Nadal won 6-4 6-1.

"We have had some great matches, in Melbourne, in Shanghai, he is a good friend, a good guy, and a great player, it is going to be a tough test in my second round, it is going to be his third round, I need to be ready, I am excited to play a tough match very early in the tournament, I need to be at my 100 per cent every single moment," opined Rafael Nadal reminiscing his intense battles with Grigor Dimitrov in the past. 

Rafael Nadal vs Grigor Dimitrov: Key Insights

• Rafael Nadal is aiming to win a record 12th Monte Carlo Open.
• Grigor Dimitrov has never beaten Nadal on clay in his career having lost five matches so far.
• Nadal has a 72-5 win-loss record in Monte Carlo.
• Dimitrov is yet to drop a set in this tournament having won in two sets each against Jan-Lennard Struff and Chardy in his two matches.
• Rafael Nadal lost in the semifinals of the last-held Monte Carlo Open in 2019 to Fabio Fognini in straight sets.
• Grigor Dimitrov has a 16-7 win-loss record in Monte Carlo.

Rafael Nadal vs Grigor Dimitrov: Prediction

Rafael Nadal was not troubled much by Delbonis in his first clay-court match this season. The King of Clay capitalized with his deep returns from the baseline forcing the Argentinian to make lots of unforced errors. 

While the Spaniard would have been pleased with his consistent forehand, he will aim to tighten his backhand after hitting a few shots to the net.

Grigor Dimitrov has looked in good form in Monte Carlo with back-to-back straight-set victories. Being a long-time resident in Monaco, the Bulgarian will have immense knowledge of the conditions. 

Nadal's key to his reign on clay has been hitting his powerful topspin forehand within two metres of the baseline from the deep end of the court. 

Dimitrov is known for his scintillating shotmaking from both his forehand and backhand wing. Working with a new coach, Dante Bottini who has mentored Kei Nishikori in the past seems to have clicked for the Bulgarian. 

If Rafael Nadal grabs the first set without any fuzz, he could race away with the match too. Grigor Dimitrov needs to be mentally strong and trust his weapons like athleticism and speed in court coverage to overcome his nemesis. 

Prediction - Rafael Nadal to win in straight sets against Grigor Dimitrov

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