ARTICLES:

• Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic Celebrate Natalia Vodianova’s Naked Heart Foundation (via style.com)

Nadal took his rival’s move in good humor. “I thought it was great when I heard he bid for it! It was good fun, and I’m very happy to support Natalia and her foundation.”

• Clay Still Needs Its King (via tennis.com)

All of which makes Nadal’s presence on dirt as essential as Tiger’s presence at the Masters—more essential, in fact, because Rafa is still at the top of his game. Imagine a clay season without Nadal. I can almost hear the cries of relief from some of you, but by the end of two months, how satisfying would it be? There would still be dramatic matches, and deserving new champions, and no one would have to wait while Rafa lined up his water bottles. Yet there still would be something missing for all fans.

• Nadal: “An Important Moment” (via sportscanon.com)

Last Question, Rafa. Did You Improve Your French? “No, I have not studied at all and it is still very bad! I can read, and if you speak slowly I understand a little, but that’s it!”

• How Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer set a new standard for tennis champions (via oregonlive.com)

Nadal could have pulled a Sampras, too. The Spaniard has accomplished everything there is to accomplish in the sport, beaten everybody there is to beat. The significant injuries he’s had, the chronic pain he endures, would have driven many players out of the sport. But Rafa keeps coming back, keeps finding a way — against all odds — to improve as a player and a competitor.

• Nadal Takes To The Sea (via ATP World Tour)
• Rafael Nadal ‘at home’ on the sea ahead of Monte-Carlo challenge (via CNN)
• 2014 prize money increases (via Roland Garros)

The 2014 French Open will be offering overall prize money of €25,018,900, which represents an increase of €3 million compared with 2013. The winners of the men’s and women’s singles in 2014 will each receive €1,650,000, which is 10% more than last year.

• Quick Hits (via The Slice)

PHOTOS:

• ATP’s elite prepare for Monte Carlo Masters (via SI.com)
• Rafael Nadal is on a boat in Monte Carlo (via SI.com)
• Rafa goes sailing in Monte Carlo 
• Shirtless Rafa practices in Monte Carlo

VIDEOS:

• Rafa is on a boat in Monte Carlo (via Dailymotion)
• Rafa and David Ferrer practice in Monte Carlo (via YouTube)
• A Perfect Match for Vanessa Selbst and Rafa: Vanessa talks about what it’s like playing against someone she admires who also competes at a very high level but in a different field. (via PokersStars)
• Monte Carlo Rolex Masters: Interview with Rafael Nadal