Rafael Nadal captured his ninth Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters crown as he defeated Gael Monfils 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 in an enthralling final on Court Ranier III. The 29-year-old Nadal reclaimed the title that he won at the Monte-Carlo Country Club from 2005-2012. His 46-match winning streak in Monte-Carlo was finally ended in the 2013 final by Novak Djokovic.
Appearing in his 100th tour-level final, Nadal clinched his 68th title. The left-hander is the sixth player in the Open Era to reach a century of finals on the ATP World Tour. After laying his hands on his 48th clay-court crown, Nadal is now just one trophy away from drawing level with Open Era clay title leaderGuillermo Vilas.
In a battle full of twists and turns, Nadal ultimately prevailed over Monfils in two hours and 46 minutes. Monfils has made his most consistent start yet to a season, and caused Nadal no end of trouble with his incredible defence and point-clinching shot-making.
The 29-year-old Monfils was bidding to win his first Masters 1000 crown after runner-up finishes in Paris in 2009 (l. to Djokovic) and 2010 (l. to Soderling).
