Rafael Nadal Wins 11th Monte Carlo Title for Record 31st Masters Series Title

(April 22, 2018) Rafael Nadal defeated Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-2 in the Monte Carlo Masters final to become the first man in the Open era to win the same title 11 times. His win also gives him a record 31 Masters Series titles, one ahead of Novak Djokovic.

“It’s unbelievable,” Nadal said after the match.

“It’s something difficult to imagine.”

The win, which was his 76^th tournament title, keeps the Spaniard at No. 1 in the world.

“My true feeling is these kind of things are not going to happen forever, so I just try to enjoy them and to play with the full passion and with the full energy and concentration, full love for the sport until I can,” said Nadal.

“I know the day to say goodbye is closer than 10 years ago. It is something that I am not worried about, but it is a real thing. So I am just enjoying every day and trying to play with the best attitude possible, to keep being happy playing tennis. That’s all.”

“Of course it is a special day for me. Winning again this title here in Monte-Carlo means a lot, especially because it is the first tournament in the year that I finished. To have the victory in a Masters 1000, especially in Monte-Carlo, that for me is one of the most important ones in terms of personal feeling and in terms of history of our sport. I am very excited and very happy for everything.”

Nadal lost a total of only 21 games en route to the title. This was first tournament that the 16-time major winner completed since last year. Nadal had to retire from his quarterfinal match at the Australian Open with a right hip injury.

Nadal plays next in Barcelona, where he is the defending champion. He’ll be attempting to win that title for an eighth time.