23 April,2017 10:31 AM IST | | AFP
Rafael Nadal stayed on course for a 10th Monte Carlo Masters title by beating Belgium's David Goffin 6-3, 6-1 on Saturday to reach today's final against compatriot Albert Ramos-Vinolas
Rafael Nadal
Monaco: Rafael Nadal stayed on course for a 10th Monte Carlo Masters title by beating Belgium's David Goffin 6-3, 6-1 on Saturday to reach today's final against compatriot Albert Ramos-Vinolas.
The match was marred by a massive error by the umpire in the first set that benefitted title-holder Nadal, and provoked a cacophony of jeers from fans.
Earlier, Albert Ramos-Vinolas continued his stunning run by dispatching Lucas Pouille 6-3, 5-7, 6-1 to reach the final. The 29-year-old 15th seed had never before even reached a Masters 1000 semi-final.
Ramos-Vinolas carried on the momentum he gained in knocking out top seed Andy Murray in the third round and fifth seed Marin Cilic in the quarters, with the slightly less notable scalp of 11th seed Pouille.
The Spaniard, who saved seven of nine break points, had come to the principality with only three previous victories from 29 matches against top 10 opponents. Of the four semi-finalists, only Nadal had previously reached a Masters level semi-final.
