Rafael Nadal claimed an eleventh Monte Carlo Masters title with victory over Kei Nishikori.
The King of Clay won 6-3, 6-2 and it was his 76th title – his 31st ATP World Tour Masters title and his 54th clay-court crown. He became the first male tennis player in the Open era to win the same title 11 times — 13 years after his first title here.
Nishikori was chasing a first Masters title, but the Japanese player took 11 minutes to hold for 1-1. He got some brief hope, breaking Rafa with a superb passing shot at full stretch to lead 2-1, but meekly surrendered the next four games. The second set was a procession and Rafa won on his first match point with a stinging backhand winner.
Rafa:
I want to thank all my team and my family. We had some tough moments during the last five months after a couple of injuries in a row. It’s great to have a group of great people behind me. I can say thank you very much always for being there and supporting me when I really need it.
It’s always special for me to be back here, having this trophy. It’s one of the most important events of the year for me.
I want to congratulate Kei for a great week. It’s always difficult to be back from injury and I’m happy to see you again playing well.
Rafa has now won an ATP World Tour title for the 15th year in a row (since 2004). Ever since making his tour-level debut in 2003, our champ has compiled a 392-35 match record on the dirt – the best winning percentage of any player in the Open Era.
Sources: AP, ATP
Rafa by nonw you are on your way to Barcelona, so all the very best for Barcelona.
Congratulations all round to you, your family, your team and all you wonderful supporters,
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
Congratulations Rafa on your title win, and setting such amazing records again.
Congratulations to all your team and family as they are so supportive of you at all times,
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
🎾💪🏼😃🏆😍🤗🍀
SIMPLY AWESOME
RAFA CHAMP #🥇😘
Congratulations to Rafa and his team
On winning an historic eleventh Monte Carlo title . The sun shone and Rafa shine brighter in The Principality .
Easier victory than anticipated , Kei folded after losing his serve following his breaking Rafa .Rafa had him frazzled . Amazing champion and I never tire of watching him play , winning the bonus 😍
The beginning of the titles to roll in in 2018! Go Rafa. A clean sweep of the clay season, an 11th Roland Garros done and dusted and move on to Wimbledon. Hold on to that no 1 ranking!!!!!! Vamooooooooos Rafa!
Never in doubt!! Amazing….I have had a smile on my face all day. You Rafa are the absolute best, so exciting to watch. If you are not in a tournament, I ain’t watching, as it’s just soooo bloomin boring without you. Keep fit lovely. XX
Super Rafa!!! So so happy for you! You deserve it.
Wish you every success in all your tournaments – stay injury free and healthy!
Love you always!! 😍
Vamos
Congratulations-so satisfying after some tough months😍Enjoy the victory- 11🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆unbelievable times🎊🎉🍾
I never doubted you! Congratulations.
Well done Rafa! This was never in doubt.
Enjoy your win, then it’s on to Barcelona. Good luck there champ! Always with you…
What can I say? Total domination! Rafa, so happy for you, and so proud of you! Congratulations to everyone in the “Rafa World”! My hero, stay healthy, and stay unbeatable!❤️