2016 Monte Carlo Masters Proving the Veterans Still Dominate the ATP Tour
As the 2016 Monte Carlo Masters heads into the final rounds, familiar superstars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have already buried their disappointments in Miami. Along with Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka, they have been a “forgotten foursome” for most of the southern U.S. swing.
These veteran stars were a bust at Miami with only one win in four combined matches. (Federer was unable to play.) No longer shining with their glorious play, they were slipping over the horizon.
Recent tennis headlines have looked more to the future, courting the progress of young players. Meanwhile No. 1 Novak Djokovic continues his world conquest as the other veterans try to pick their way through the rubble.
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Then Djokovic inexplicably lost. For the surviving draw, it’s an opportunity as vast as the Mediterranean Sea that splashes into Monte Carlo Country Club.
"No #DjokerNole in Monte Carlo? OK, but who is going to step up in his absence? Federer? Nadal? Anyone? https://t.co/vR0xFmm5BS
— ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) April 14, 2016"
The proud legends have roared back, perhaps more inspired to take advantage of their chance to grab a huge title without the dominating Serb to block their paths. There is plenty of rejuvenated fight with a valuable prize awaiting a victor.
Even Frenchmen Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils have got in on the act, and veteran Spanish "lucky loser" Marcel Granollers has filled in nicely for David Ferrer as the eighth man. Only New World newbie Milos Raonic is still alive and kicking by the quarterfinals.
Miami Flash
Some of the more talented younger players had a great tournament at the Miami Masters. Lost Generation members David Goffin, Raonic, Grigor Dimitrov and Kei Nishikori all had notable moments or deep runs. Next Generation aspirants like Dominic Thiem, Nick Kyrgios, Borna Coric and Alexander Zverev continued to impact the Masters 1000 draw.
Of course, that was in the New World on hard courts, which are supposed to be fast like the way that young players are brought up to play. Except that it’s early in the year, some of the old dogs are pacing themselves and the real spring-summer grind is just beginning.
Monte Carlo is another world, especially for tennis. The slow clay courts mean more tactical tennis, conditioning and patience with shot ingenuity. If “Plan A” means a killer serve, big forehand and hopeful defense, well, it’s no wonder that the old guard is reasserting itself. They have more variety with their offense, and all but Wawrinka have built their careers with exceptional footwork and defense.
Djokovic’s conqueror, Jiri Vesely—a young left-hander with a lot of clout, was dusted 6-1, 6-2 a day later. By Thursday, we said goodbye to Coric, Thiem, Zverev, Dimitrov and Goffin.
So much for building on Miami. A cup of coffee and back to the sidelines.
European Savvy
Don’t underestimate how important it is for Federer, Nadal, Murray and Wawrinka to play in western Europe. The food, climate, memories, rituals and successes are better at Monte Carlo where patience is a virtue for winning.
Nothing was more definitive than Nadal’s 16-minute game at 4-4 in the first set of his match against Thiem. The Spaniard went on to save 15 of 16 break points for the set and pull away in the second after an early break. Was it his experience, mental toughness or desire? Was it more about Thiem crumbling in the big moments?
In the same quarter, Wawrinka was making a statement by blasting Gilles Simon 6-1, 6-2. The Swiss had faltered in the U.S. but was suddenly right at home along the French Riviera. It was victories for both Nadal and Wawrinka to face each other and a familiar assurance that all is right with the veteran stars.
Murray has staggered through with a couple of three-setters, but Federer was most impressive in sweeping aside two Spanish clay-courters with two-part surnames. Could the Swiss maestro actually complete a Cinderella story after not playing since the Australian Open? It would be the story of the year.
It’s not getting any easier for the legendary rivals of Djokovic, but they are going to have more collective moments. Maybe Nadal or Wawrinka put themselves in position for another French Open victory. The former will always be the king of clay, and the latter is a proven big-match player who can hit through the court against anyone.
But maybe Federer or Murray pick off their first Monte Carlo title, and it becomes a catalyst for bigger things ahead. They are still the top two players in the non-Djokovic world with all of the experience and talent to win championships. The challenge will be consistently maintaining their best levels and recovery in front of an increasingly young ATP.
Don’t count out the legends just yet.
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