Down the line: King of Clay can tighten grip on crown

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  • Rafa's ready to rule: Spaniard Nadal has only lost 21 matches on clay in his whole career.

    The European clay season is under way with the first of three Masters 1000 events on the red dirt taking place in Monte Carlo this week.

    The tournament is played at the majestic Monte Carlo Country Club and while it may be the most scenic tennis event on the planet, since 2005, the winner in the principality has been a foregone conclusion. People would bet their lives on the fact that Rafael Nadal would triumph in Monte Carlo and for eight years in a row, they would have won that bet.

    That is until Novak Djokovic ended the Spaniard’s eight-year reign in Monaco last year, by upsetting Nadal in the final.

    Still, as we enter the European clay swing, the numbers lie heavily in Nadal’s favour.

    Since 2004, his 43 clay titles include eight crowns in Monte Carlo, seven in Rome, two in King of Clay can tighten his grip on the crown Nadal remains the No1 contender going into the new season on the dirt Madrid (became a clay tournament in 2009), and eight in Roland Garros. And those are just the ATP Masters 1000 and grand slams.

    It’s no secret how dominant Nadal is on clay but the ATP have recently released some statistics that highlight his supremacy on the surface even further.

    The Mallorcan has a 93.4 per cent winning record on clay (29821 win-loss), which makes him the most successful player ever on the dirt, with the legendary Bjorn Borg coming in second place with 86.3 per cent, followed by Ivan Lendl with 81.4 per cent.

    Nadal has had such a strong grasp on the clay titles this era that his 43 trophies are 31 more than the next active player (Nicolas Almagro).

    With Nadal considered the ultimate favourite, here a few others to watch out for this clay swing:

    Novak Djokovic

    One of only three players who have defeated Nadal in clay finals. Has made the Roland Garros finals in 2012, is in top form and has won the last four straight ATP Masters 1000 events.

    Roger Federer

    Probably the second-best claycourter of this era. Hitting top form this season after a woeful 2013. Has a 76.6 per cent winning record on clay, including 10 titles (won Roland Garros in 2009). Has beaten Nadal in two clay finals before in Hamburg and Madrid.

    Stanislas Wawrinka

    Three of his six titles have come on clay. Is enjoying a breakthrough season, having won his first major at the Australian Open last January. 

    Fabio Fognini

    Has the third most victories on tour this season (22) and is enjoying a career-best start to a year. Already won a title on clay this season in Vina del Mar. Made French Open quarters in 2011.

    David Ferrer 

    A master on clay (11 of his 21 titles have come on the dirt) and made the Roland Garros finals last year. Struggled with injury last month but is back to his best surface, on which he has already captured a title in 2014 in Buenos Aires.

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