Nadal pockets ninth Monte Carlo title

Spaniard Rafael Nadal clinched his ninth Monte Carlo Masters crown as he defeated Frenchman Gael Monfils in three sets on Sunday.

 

This was Nadal's first ATP title since July, 2014. In Sunday's final, which was also his 100th title clash, Nadal raced to a one-set lead, before Monfils came roaring back to take the second. The decider, however, was one-way traffic as Nadal mercilessly bagelled the French player, winning 7-5, 5-7, 6-0.

The win also helped Nadal equal Novak Djokovic's record of 28 Masters titles.

"It was a very important week for me. I feel much better than I did last year. The victory here confirms that I've been better. Monte Carlo is one of the most important places in my career and it's so special to win here after three years."

Monfils, the first French player to reach the Monte Carlo final since Cedric Pioline in 2000, said there was not much he could do against a confident Nadal.

 

"I knew Nadal was confident. He's a great champion and puts more into it at the right moments. You're just submissive to his power. Suddenly in the third set, he increased his power and I just couldn't cope," Monfils said.

• Tennis
• ATP
• Monte Carlo
• Rafael Nadal
• Gael Monfils
• Novak Djokovic