Rafael Nadal will begin the defense of his Monte Carlo title next week in Monte Carlo.

Holding a worldly record of 44-1 at the event, Rafa has amassed $4,179,821 in prize through eight titles and one third-round showing.

Losing his lone match to Guillermo Coria back in 2003, Rafa is currently riding a 42-match winning streak there. In 45 career matches in Monaco, Rafa has lost seven sets in total. He has won eight love sets and defeated 15 players ranked in the top 10 at the time.

Aiming to win his ninth straight title, Rafa will have to get through a field which includes Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Rafa is the only player in Tour history to have won any tournament eight straight times. GOOD LUCK AND VAMOS RAFA!