(AP) World No. 5 Rafael Nadal won a ninth Monte-Carlo title and record-equalling 28th Masters crown with a hard-earned 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 victory over Gael Monfils.
It is the 68th singles title of Rafa’s career and his 48th clay-court title. Our champ now holds an impressive 353-33 record on clay (26-6 in 2015, 9-2 in 2016).
Rafa sank to his knees after sealing victory with a brilliant forehand winner. It took him 2 hours, 46 minutes to finally see off Monfils, who had never won a set against our champ on clay and lost 11 of their 13 previous matches.
Rafa dropped his serve five times against the 13th-seeded Monfils in a topsy-turvy encounter in which they conceded 34 break-point chances between them.
This has been one of the most special places in my career. It’s just a pleasure to be back here in a final playing in front of you at this amazing club.
It has been a very special week for me, winning here in Monte Carlo. What really makes it even more special is the fantastic crowd. Many thanks to everybody here.
Rafael Nadal of Spain serves during the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand during the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain sprints to make a return during the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand during the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
Xisca Perello, girlfriend of Spain’s Rafael Nadal, looks on during his tennis match against France’s Gael Monfils during the final of the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament in Monaco on April 17, 2016. AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 17, 2016 – Source: AFP)
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 17: Maria Francisca Perello aka Xisca Perello, girlfriend of Rafael Nadal of Spain attends the final of the 2016 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Country Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand during the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France on day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
Tennis – Monte Carlo Masters – Monaco, 17/04/16. Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning his final tennis match against Gael Monfils of France at the Monte Carlo Masters REUTERS/Eric Gaillard TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Tennis – Monte Carlo Masters – Monaco, 17/04/16. Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning his final tennis match against Gael Monfils of France at the Monte Carlo Masters REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
Tennis – Monte Carlo Masters – Monaco, 17/04/16. Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning his final tennis match against Gael Monfils of France at the Monte Carlo Masters REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
Tennis – Monte Carlo Masters – Monaco, 17/04/16. Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after winning his final tennis match against Gael Monfils of France at the Monte Carlo Masters REUTERS/Eric Gaillard
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory in the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France during day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 17, 2016)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament final match, on April 17, 2016 in Monaco. Nadal defeated Monfils 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 to win a record ninth title at the Monte Carlo Masters.AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 17, 2016 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament final match, on April 17, 2016 in Monaco. Nadal defeated Monfils 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 to win a record ninth title at the Monte Carlo Masters.AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 17, 2016 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament final match, on April 17, 2016 in Monaco. Nadal defeated Monfils 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 to win a record ninth title at the Monte Carlo Masters.AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 17, 2016 – Source: AFP)
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 17: Maria Francisca Perello aka Xisca Perello, girlfriend of Rafael Nadal of Spain attends the final of the 2016 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Country Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Photographers take pictures as Spain’s Rafael Nadal kisses his girlfriend Xisca Perello after winning against France’s Gael Monfils in the final tennis match at the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament in Monaco on April 17, 2016. Nadal defeated Monfils 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 to win a record ninth title at the Monte Carlo Masters. AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE / AFP / VALERY HACHE(April 17, 2016 – Source: AFP)
Photographers take pictures as Spain’s Rafael Nadal kisses his girlfriend Xisca Perello after winning against France’s Gael Monfils in the final tennis match at the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament in Monaco on April 17, 2016. Nadal defeated Monfils 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 to win a record ninth title at the Monte Carlo Masters. AFP PHOTO / VALERY HACHE / AFP / VALERY HACHE(April 17, 2016 – Source: AFP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory in the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France during day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the trophy after victory in the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France during day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 17, 2016)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory in the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France during day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 17, 2016)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory in the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France during day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament final match, on April 17, 2016 in Monaco. Nadal defeated Monfils 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 to win a record ninth title at the Monte Carlo Masters.AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 17, 2016 – Source: AFP)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament final match, on April 17, 2016 in Monaco. Nadal defeated Monfils 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 to win a record ninth title at the Monte Carlo Masters.AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 17, 2016 – Source: AFP)
MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – APRIL 17: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the trophy after victory in the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France during day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the trophy after victory in the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France during day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory in the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France during day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory in the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France during day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament final match, on April 17, 2016 in Monaco. Nadal defeated Monfils 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 to win a record ninth title at the Monte Carlo Masters.AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 17, 2016 – Source: AFP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory in the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France during day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the trophy after victory in the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France during day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 17, 2016)
AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 17, 2016)
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates with his trophy during the awarding ceremony following the final tennis match against France’s Gael Monfils at the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament in Monaco on April 17, 2016. Nadal defeated Monfils 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 to win a record ninth title at the Monte Carlo Masters.. AFP PHOTO / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET / AFP / JEAN CHRISTOPHE MAGNENET (April 17, 2016 – Source: AFP)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory in the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France during day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates victory in the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France during day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates with the trophy after victory in the singles final match against Gael Monfils of France during day eight of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters at Monte-Carlo Sporting Club on April 17, 2016 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (April 16, 2016 – Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)
Only one line
The dirt pulls out the gold for my rafa
and what rafa does he kisses the surface and thanks his team
Lovely man and a true champion who is so down to earth
I know lots of emotions going through right now for rafa …………..
i actually did some fireworks at my area after ur win
Vamos rafa vamos
***** VAMOS TO RAFA’S AMAZING STRONG & LOYAL TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) They are incredibly knowledgeable, keep up with all the young up rising potential tennis leaders and we see this wonderful group day in and day out right there with Rafa all the way!!!!!!!! They must be SO PROUD OF HIM knowing all along he has what it takes to remain TOP TOP TOP HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PLAYER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : )
VAMOS SWEETHEART & ENJOY EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂
Cardiac arrest on a grand scale! Knew you could do it Rafa! So very ecstatic for you! WELL DONE
Estamos Felices con este triunfo!
Reconocimiento a su gran esfuerzo y dedicación en cuerpo y alma!!!
I got nervous there.
Amazing win!!!!!!! Soooooo happy for you!!! Vamooooos all the way to RG!
I’m so happy for Rafa and Xisca. This kiss between the both is legendary and is a whole story!
Cute very nice
Congratulations Rafa so very very happy for you this is amazing news !! Knew you would do it and this should give you great confidence for future matches
You have played brilliantly this week just like the old Rafa and it’s so great to see you back at your best
King of Clay for ever and ever always our Champ and always will be you have made your fans so happy with this result but we feel this mainly for you as we always had confidence in you
Just go do it again Rafa and get back to where you belong at No 1 xx
Fantastic result at last! Well done, Rafa! A brilliant start to the clay season
The king is back but we still have to put up with the bile and sour grapes from the losers.congratulations.next stop the french
Hmmmm………….
So happy for you! Vamos Rafa <3 <3
CONGRATS GREAT RAFA
CONGRATULATIONS RAFA!!!!! It is the best beginning of a new Rafa…. You did it! Fantastic game! Bravooooooo! Hurraaaaaaaayyyyyyy!!!!!!
Congratulations on a well deserved win; sublime victory after some hard struggles.
Savour the moment and stay hungry- it is yours to win!
Rafa is Back👑🏆👑🏆👑🏆👑🏆👑🏆❤️
VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Congratulations on your beautiful well earned victory & 3rd set bagel win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) ; ) ; ) : ) OUTSTANDING DEAR CHAMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Enjoy your trophy & your feisty beautiful TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) ; ) We love you & love watching your brilliant Tennis so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) Huge KUDOS for your strong solid & powerful play!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) You are so humble and modest and classy……what a fantastic MONTE CARLO FINAL win !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) You are special and you are THE ULTIMATE GOAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS SWEETHEART & lots of love & joy and celebration!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) ; ) : ) God bless you & so very happy for YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) 🙂 🙂 : ) CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
LOVED how you bageled him !!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) At 4: 0 I was telling my family I was getting ready to toast the BAGEL & ready I was….. : ) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : )
LOVE YOU BABY. WE ALL KNEW YOU WERE BACK, WITH ALL THE HARD WORK PUT IN.
VAMOS SSSSSSSSSSßSßSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS TO TONY UNCLE, ROIG AND THE REST OF YOUR MUCH LOVED TEAM.
PLEASE ENJOY YOUR EVENING, HAVE FUN , REST N STAY HEALTHY BOY,
EXTREMELY HAPPY FOR YOU RAFA.💖. DIDN’T GET TO WATCH THE MATCH, JUST KEPT FOLLOWING THE SCORES.
LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE YOU RAFA.💖 ALWAYS.
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🌸🌷🌹🍀🍁🍀🌹🌸🌷🍁🍂
OH GOD I AM SO HAPPY. VAMOS. KING OF CLAY IS BACK IN THE BUILDING!!!! xxxxxx
Vamos rafa. Next stop: djoko and then rg.
You are such a damn hypocrite J Beer – yesterday you slammed Rafa, saying that he is miles away from beating Joker, now you suddenly want to join the bandwagon?????
You and all the other HATERS are LOSERS!!!!
J Beer – LOSER
Zikabrain Laforge – LOSER
MIROMO – LOSER
Shallow Thinker – LOSER
RAFAEL NADAL – WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
68th Title with MC WIN, ties joker at 28 masters wins
Next Victim — THE JOKER
Eat your hearts out Rafa Haters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CONGRATS RAFA,
AND TO ALL HIS LOYAL FANS, THANKS FOR THE GREAT COMPANY.
RAFA fan forever.
U r welcome. Imagine what rafa could have won and still can win. He needs a new coach if he really wants to be back. This one mc win does not change that.
Exactly, J Beer.
Besides, all thanks to Jiri Versely who did the dirty job of taking the monkey off Nadal’s back!
The real battle for Nadal and Djokovic comes at RG. But we’ll see…………..
In the meantime, Congrats to our champion!!!!
Vammmmmmmmmmmmmmoooooooooooooooooosssssssssssssssssss!!!!
God bless u the great sir
J Beer- What’s the latest with Novak Djokovic? Is he alright?
Asking because you and the Shallow Thinker ( Assuming it is not the same person) are his greatest fans and just troll on this site.
I know how painful it is must be for you today.
Vamos Rafa!!
Chris, it seems you’re from the Land of the Rising Sun, eh?!
Vamos vamos vamos vamos Rafa!!! This is going to be a fantastic presentation watching you bite that trophy! Congratulations! I’m so happy!