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
Ten is so special but now eleven. Amazing Rafa. Wow!
Just give him all the clay trophies and let’s move on to grass lol….
Congrats rafa!always love U!
Rafael Nadal claimed an eleventh Monte Carlo Masters title with victory over fellow Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas. Why the error of Albert Ramos-Vinolas instead of Kei Nishikori? Anyway congratulations to you Rafael Nadalo on your 11th Monte Carlo Masters Title. Hope you go on to win an 11th Barcelona Open!
He s the best of all sportsmen
VAMOS RAFA
Congrats Rafa on yr amazing accomplishment. U the best. Vamos
Congratulations to our dear Rafa! With our love and prayers that you stay healthy and focused until Roland Garros! GOD bless you!
Albert Ramos-Vinolas ? when?
Also Rafa’s record on clay is 396-35, not 392-35.
Correct and re-design your article.
First line of the article says “Rafael Nadal claimed an eleventh Monte Carlo Masters title with victory over fellow Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas” WTF?
What a wonderful win! It was a fabulous week in MC. I am especially happy that Rafa remains number one for another week and breaks his tie with McEnroe for weeks at number one. He is now sixth all time at 171!
Congratulations Rafa! Live to watch you play!
❤️🎉🍾🙏🏼for your good health!
Vamos!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
RAFAMAZING has done it again. He will need a separate plane just for his trophies on his return to Mallorca.
RAFAMAZING ROCKS
Congratulation well done
This is the 36th straight set he has won on clay ! . Unbelievable should be changed to Rafaelavable.
11 Monte Carlo titles and more to come.
Vamos king
ENHORABUENA!! REY D LA TIERRA BATIDA…nadie como tu…siempre contigo…un abrazo
So happy for you. Vamos Rafa <3
So so happy for you, wonderful Rafa!!!💝
Way to go Rafa!
🎾💪🏼😍🥇🏆👍🏻