Return of the Master: Rafael Nadal glad to win his 9th Monte Carlo title the hard way

Rafael Nadal is glad he won a ninth Monte Carlo Masters title the hard way, after defeating Frenchman Gael Monfils 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 in an error-strewn final on Sunday.

Normally, having to face 47 break points in five matches to win a tournament on clay would be a big cause for concern for the nine-time French Open champion. But the Spaniard sees it as a sign that his famed fighting qualities are coming back, compared to last year, when he was more prey than predator on clay.

“This week I was able to increase my level when things became tough, like I did before,” Nadal said. “That’s something I missed a lot.”

In total, Nadal dropped serve 13 times this week, and more clinical opponents might have made him pay.

The relief was evident for a profligate Nadal, as he overcame five breaks on his serve to win in Monte Carlo for the first time since the last of his eight straight titles in 2012. It also gave him a record-equaling 28th Masters title, bringing him alongside top-ranked Novak Djokovic.

He sank to his knees after sealing victory with a brilliant forehand winner, tilting his head back, closing his eyes to savour his biggest tournament win since the French Open in June 2014 and his first at a Masters event since Madrid a few weeks before that.

“It has been a very important week,” Nadal said. “The victory confirms that I am better.”