(April 23, 2017) Rafael Nadal became the first man to win a singles event ten times, when he defeated countryman Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the Monte-Carlo Masters final on Sunday 6-1, 6-3.
The win not only gave Nadal his 29th Masters title, but his 50th tournament title on clay surpassing Tennis Hall of Famer Guillermo Vilas’ record of 49 clay court championships in the Open Era.
¡Felicitaciones @RafaelNadal por tu título 50º en canchas lentas! Impresionante. Un honor haber presenciado la final en el MCCC.
— Guillermo Vilas (@GuilleVilasOK) April 23, 2017
The fourth seeded Nadal has now won an ATP World Tour title for the 14th year in a row. Nadal will also be attempting to win his tenth titles in Barcelona and at the French Open.
“It’s really unbelievable,” Nadal said. “To win 10 times in such an important event like Monte-Carlo is something difficult to describe. Every year has been a different feeling. At the same, it’s always a unique moment every time I have this trophy with me.”
“I feel lucky to keep playing tennis, being healthy all these years and to compete in one of the most beautiful events of the year. Very happy to win another one. It’s a very important day in my career.”
“Nobody likes to play a final and lose 6-1, 6-3.” said Ramos-Vinolas. “But I know how it is. I know that I have another tournament. I have to keep going. I will try to have my feedback with the good things I did this week. Not today, but maybe tomorrow I will be proud of myself, and I will restart again for the next tournament.”
It was a career week for Ramos-Vinolas reaching his first Masters final and he’ll be rewarded for it moving into the Top 20 in the rankings.
For Nadal, this was his 70th career title.
Watch @RafaelNadal make #tennis history at the 2017 @MCROLEXMASTERS. Final Highlights: https://t.co/X5hHTWEPY9 #ATPMasters1000 pic.twitter.com/HI2qWhwraZ
— M-C ROLEX MASTERS (@MCROLEXMASTERS) April 23, 2017
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