(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)
Finally I can smile after a tennis tournament!!! So so so happy for my Rafa. Congratulations!
Please continue improving in every compartment and you’ll be the old Rafa. Can’t wait for you to beat djokovic!!!
Vamos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulatins Rafa, I was so happy for you today. Please keep it up!! Always have faith in yourself. I know that you can will keep going during this clay court season and beyond. I hope and pray that you will find ways to combat your weaknesses in the days, weeks and months ahead. Please do this Rafa. You won against some of the best players on tour this week – so you can do it. And Rafa: you CAN take the ball earlier, hug the baseline and come to net more. Please do this and I know that you will bite the BIG trophy this summer. I love you Rafa, stay healthy and God bless you, Marylynn
Yeeeeessss well played Rafa..champion again ..so pleased for you this will boost your confidence …VAMOOOOOS
Well done Nadal! Always believe you can win another Master!!
Tough opponent tough game but well fought back with confidence!!!
Keep going…
Mi Rei, cosa bello , te quiero mucho ! No sé rezar, orar mucho… soy judio ! Pero hoy, con todas mis ganas, prendi una candelita y pedi mucho a nuestro Dios, que te concieda la feliciudad de más una vitória. Y ahora estoy feliz, muy feliz… creo que devo orar más por otras cosas también… Pero por hoy basta, tu vitória es mi feliciudad ! Forgive my spanish.. Love you my King !
Well even in a bad year like 2015 when rafa not in great form he was really close to beat novak in monte carlo
We will see……
I hope and sure this win will make rafa confidence to go high
Just one thing to add this is 3 rd masters and still there is no 2 nd consistent player making even the finals
i guess rafa can be a 2 nd consistent player
we need this 2 nd consitent player to end novak wonder years
Nope, he hung with him for a few tough games last year. And then was ambushed. It happened in 2013 too, but then Rafa went on to win Rg nonetheless.
god bless u the great sir
An amazing comeback by an amazing CHAMPION! He is not quite ‘back’ yet, but on his way. The best thing he could do now is to add someone to his coaching staff to build on to his road to recovery.
I repeat what I said last week in spite of getting shot down by The Haters here: Rafa is on a trajectory to beat Nole at their next meeting!
To The Haters J Beer, Zikabrain Laforge, Shallow Thinker, MIROMO, I can only say: EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT LOSERS, COZ RAFAEL NADAL IN A WINNNNNNNNNNNNNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m not so sure you paid attention in your English Grammar classes, Rafa _86!!!
That all you could come up with this time ..still it’s an improvement on …hmm..pathetic
dont understand you comment. Can you explain. thx
Deep Thinker, you are the embodiment of ignorance to make such comments. Learn a little, just a little grace. Copy Rafael.
Shame on you! What a low life. Write a few sentences by yourself with no help from others. I bet you will have tons of errors even if you were speaking English all your life. Rafa is a great tennis player and his mother tongue is Spanish. You are a jealous loser and probably an ignorant person.
Yeah, you horrid creature, it’s wins like this what WE have been aiming for with our comments. Wins like this, that could put things back into the right direction. You, and all them other empty c#nts, have contributed nothing, nada, zero in the last 22 months. This is not your win.
Oh really just what have you contributed other than criticism from everything from his hair to whatever else you wanted to find fault with..do you really think he ever reads yours or any of the sanctimonious arses words of wisdom that in your opinion will save him from himself…dream on ..Vamos Rafa
Okay, I am now convinced that J. Beer has crossed the line from being merely delusional to a diagnosable psychosis that includes delusional and narcissistic/God complex features. How else to explain that he truly believes he is due some credit for Rafa’s win today? I would find it humorous and just call him bat-shit crazy except that one should have compassion for the mentally ill, even ones that call those who disagree with him c*nts. I’ll overlook it because I’m supposing it fills some kind of need he has to feel superior. It all ever came down to health, confidence and execution coalescing at the same time, which happened today. Rafa knew that as did most of the fans here. The sane fans are just elated it happened, and don’t feel the need to take credit for anything. .
“This is not your win.” In case you haven’t noticed, no one else here is claiming it as their win, except you, which marks you as special in a peculiar, creepy sort of way.
HAPPY, HAPPY, YOU PIN HIM DOWN FIRST WAS GETTING NERVOUS GOT TO KEEP AWAY FROM TV ,BACK AGAIN TO SEE YOU VICTORIOS BIG CONGRATULATIONS JUST KEEP BELIEVING IN YOUR SELF ”THE LORD SAID”MY PRAYERS FOR YOU TODAY WAS HEARD THANKS FOR THE BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE
Congrats Rafa and your team, you make my day! I’am so happy for this win! Rafa played a fantastic match, so did Gael! I’am proud of my champ!
You kept breaking my heart but I never deserted you. I am thrilled for you and your camp by your win. Keep going forward. Keep your eyes on the prize. Uncle Tony said, “Let’s wait and see what happens at RG.” So glad I didn’t have to wait that long. You are always a winner in my eyes because of your beautiful soul.
Fantastic Rafa!
King of clay with feet of gold!
Always great to watch.
What an exciting match! Monfils has so much heart, as does our worthy champion Rafa Nadal!
This is the beginning of Rafa’s return, just a first step. We all know where the real challenge is, and what needs to be achieved for Rafa to be really and truly back.
Well done to both Nadal and Monfils. Thanks for the entertainment. The highlights will make me dizzy.
MMM Rafa you naughty boy… get a room!
Good luck Rafa in Barcelona!!
Congratulations Nadal!!!
I sincerely hope this pulls up his confidence and he carries it on in the French Open!
Good Luck Nadal!
Way to go!!!:D
Rafa,, do what’s right,, marry her, have some little Rafa’s or Rafa la’s,, you endured the onslaught from a game Frenchman, an finally wore him down,, do the right thing champ,,, make her proud,, don’t worry you;ll make a great Papa,,
Yes rafa won the tournament but for me rafa won 4 great matches against great opponent with his great play
Vamos rafa vamos
Well done Rafa! The king of clay has finally return.
I would say the rest of the contesting players were relieved when Novak went out early, such is the game of tennis BUT Rafa was very tested by Thiem and Murray and today against Gael and PASSED with flying colours, his confidence will grow from this win. So very well done Rafa.
Welcome Back Rafa!!! I had no doubt in my mind that you could do it. Believe in yourself, you got what it takes to be on top again. Just Believe.
Bravo Rafa, excellent play & loved the fact that you kissed your girl friend.
Yes, that was a very special moment : ) VAMOS!!!!!! : )
Hmmn ””the real special moment is when he eventually beats Novak!
Btw many many congratulations rafa
Enjoy the win and rest well and stay healthy
I cant explain how happy i am