E-Paper
Rafael Nadal claims record-extending 10th Monte Carlo Masters title
Rafael Nadal beat fellow Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-1. 6-2 to seal the Monte Carlo Masters title on Sunday
Rafael Nadal claimed a record-extending 10th Monte Carlo Masters title as he geared up for his beloved French Open with a 6-1, 6-3 victory against fellow Spaniard Albert Ramos on Sunday.
Read more | Rohan Bopanna and Pablo Cuevas win Monte Carlo Masters doubles crown
The fourth seed, who is also targeting a 10th Roland Garros trophy this year, was always in command as he claimed his first ATP title since triumphing in Barcelona a year ago.
The 14-times grand slam champion had won his two previous encounters against Ramos and the 15th seed failed to snap that run on Sunday.
Read more | Ilie Nastase investigated over ‘racial slur’ on Serena Williams’ pregnancy
“It has been an amazing week on one of the most important events on the tour. I played well here, which helps me a lot to start the claycourt season with confidence,” said Nadal.
Nadal wasted three break points in the second game as Ramos levelled for 1-1, only for the claycourt king to win the next five games to bag the opening set.
Read more | Novak Djokovic’s poor run continues, crashes out of Monte Carlo Masters
With Nadal’s topspin working with devastating effect, Ramos struggled to stay close to his baseline.
The Mallorcan broke for 3-2 in the second set when Ramos sent a backhand long and from then on Nadal was unstoppable.
Ramos ended his first Masters final with a double fault that handed Nadal his 70th ATP title on the third match point.
