Every specialist has their own technique. Traits in which they master and are known for. Most specialize in methods that are so intricate that recognition is given right away. Rafael Nadal has shown over the past 3 season on clay that he embodies all of the characteristics of a world class surgeon or doctor, and his craftsmanship has already been shown this year. The 2008 claycourt season has started off with a similar feeling to the past years of dominance that he has had.

On Sunday, Nadal chalked up another masters series title on clay beating once again the best player in the world, Roger Federer for the 7th time on the dirt. Nadal was down a service break in the 1st set but clawed his way back to take it 7-5. The second set was even more of an up hill battle as R-Fed got up to a 4-0 double break lead, when Nadal decided to take out is scalpel and forceps and slice up Federer and take the set, the match and his 4th straight Monte Carlo title.

Truthfully I do not think Nadal is ever worried on clay. He is so fluid, elegant and confident that any lead by his opponent only means that he has to be on court a little longer for a victory. The young 21 year old Spaniard has won 99% of his last 100 matches on clay, and his office hours look to increase over the next few weeks as he continues to roll through the Barcelona, Rome, Hamburg and The French Open with victory on his note pad.

His office will be full of bruised and battered world class tennis players seeking attention for the pain that Rafa has inflicted on them. The abuse is perhaps more mental than physical as trying to figure out the chess game that is Nadal is quite tricky. His defense is superb, his offense is outstanding and his heart is never broken. Perhaps opponents of the Spaniard can only hope for Rafa to have an off day or week, and pray that the many hours of overtime that have been put in the emergency room are wearing him down.

There is no doubt that this claycourt genius is on the road to another dominating year on the European clay. Nadal will be packing alot of extra socks, bandanna’s and wrist bands as he does not plan on losing much this spring. His trophy case will be looking for a new shelf and his waiting area will be looking for some more seats.  There will be many players needing a cognitive analysis as to why they feel helpless on court against the bull dog that is from Mallorca, Spain.

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