Rafael Nadal turned in a routine performance to dispatch Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-2, 6-4 as the Spanish king of clay bids for a record ninth straight trophy at the event.
“I’m very excited to play in every tournament, and especially when I’m playing in a tournament like Monte Carlo,” said Rafa, who won his 44th match in a row at the venue where he suffered his only loss a decade ago.
“To be excited is impossible, I feel more relaxed also.”
Nadal will next line up against Grigor Dimitrov, who beat Germany’s Florian Mayer, 6-2, 6-4.
The win was the Rafa’s 17th in a row after successive titles this season in Sao Paulo, Acapulco and Indian Wells.
PHOTOS: Rafael Nadal beats Philipp Kohlschreiber
Source: Yahoo Sports