Nadal sets record with 10th Monte Carlo championship

The former world number one won his first title of 2017 when he defeated Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-1, 6-3 in the final of the Masters 1000 tournament in Monaco.

Rafael Nadal took just 73 minutes to beat his compatriot. This achievement helped him become the first male tennis player in the Open era to win a tournament 10 times and end a year-long title drought. With this victory, Nadal received $879,610 in prize money and 1,000 ATP points.

Nadal with the 10th Monte Carlo Championship Cup. Photo: Reuters.

Nadal last won the title at the Barcelona Open last year. Since then, he has tied with Guillermo Vilas, with 49 titles, for the most clay-court titles. But with his win over Ramos-Vinolas, Nadal has reached 50 titles - a record.

Nadal missed three break chances in his opponent's first service game. However, the Spaniard won the fourth game straight away, breaking for a 3-1 lead. Another break for Nadal in the sixth game when Ramos-Vinolas hit a forehand over the net and the fourth seed easily closed out the first set after 30 minutes with an ace.

Ramos-Vinolas played better in the second set but was still broken first in game five. Down 3-4, the world No. 24 had the chance to reclaim the break when leading Nadal 30-0 but could not take advantage when Nadal scored consecutive winners. Down 3-5 and facing two championship points, Ramos-Vinolas was under great pressure but still saved. However, he double-faulted when Nadal had the chance to score his third championship point and the match was over.

"I had a great week in one of the most important events of the year on the ATP Tour. I played well here, which will give me a lot of confidence to start the clay court season," said Nadal.

Nadal had played three finals this year before Monte Carlo and lost all of them. The victory gives him a successful start to the clay court season. Next week, Nadal will play the Barcelona Open, a tournament he has also won nine times. Further ahead, the Spaniard wants to prepare carefully for Roland Garros, which takes place next month.

According to VNE