Rafael Nadal won the Monte Carlo Masters for a record-breaking 10th time with a dominant 6-1, 6-3 defeat of Spanish compatriot Albert Ramos-Vinolas on Sunday April 23,2017
The 30-year-old Nadal, who now has 50 clay court titles and 70 in all, will be aiming for a 10th French Open title as well next month.
It was Nadal`s first title in almost a year and further cemented his place in history as he became the first man in the Open era to win the same event 10 times.
He won eight Monte Carlo titles in a row from 2005 to 2012 but then lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2013 final.
He won the title again last year and then added the Barcelona crown a week later, yet had not lifted a trophy since, losing three finals already this year, including January`s Australian Open against Roger Federer.
Nadal`s 50 clay titles breaks the record he shared with Guillermo Vilas since April last year when he lifted his ninth trophy in Barcelona.
"I cannot explain the feelings that I have," Nadal said.
"I had a tough start to the season. When I first played here in 2003 as a qualifier I reached the third round.
"Now, a lot of years later, this is something I could have never dreamt. Thanks to life for giving me this opportunity."
The great Spaniard needed just 76 minutes and three match points to see off his compatriot on Sunday.
The left-hander now has 29 Masters titles, one behind the all-time record of 30 held by Novak Djokovic.
He has now won an ATP event for the 14th consecutive year after losing his first three finals of 2017.
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