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Rafael Nadal’s accomplishments over the last few weeks go without saying but it is, to a certain extent, expected that he will dominate the clay court season.
Aside from Rafa there are a few players who have stood out this month (May), such as Ernests Gulbis, who’s flashy play made Federer go home with his tail between his legs. Sam Stosur has been in fine form as she moved inside the top ten and won a title in Charlestown.
Fernando Verdasco has played an incredible clay court season and deserved to be player of the month. Verdasco was a winner at Barcelona, finalist at Nice and Monte Carlo and a semi-finalist in Rome. The Spanish number two blasted winners and serves all over the clay courts of Europe and managed to star in FHM and head across the water to New York for the MET Gala.
When he’s had his clothes on Fernando has played so well, and so frequently that he was only really beaten by Nadal or fatigue, recently looking gaunt at Roland Garros. Sure, he may have made a mistake in accepting a a wild card to Nice when he should have been resting ahead of Roland Garros, but he has played brilliantly on clay and produced some awe inspiring shots and is more than worthy of the tile of Player of the Month.
