On this day in 2005, Rafael Nadal claimed his first Masters 1000 titles in Monte Carlo

Nadal has won a record of 11 Monte Carlo Masters titles out of which, right was won between 2005 to 2012 back to back.

On this day, April 17 in 2005, 18-year-old Rafael Nadal won the first ATP Masters 1000 title of his career overcoming defending champion Guillermo Coria at the Monte Carlo Masters tournament. The 21-times Grand Slam champion didn’t stop since then winning a record of 11 trophies at the event eight of which came back to back from his first in 2005 to 2012.

The dominance resulted in him becoming a serious contender on clay. The Spaniard moved ahead to No. 11 from No. 17 following his first Monte Carlo title. From there to now, Nadal is named the best player on clay having won 13 Roland Garros titles the most to be nicknamed the “King of Clay”.

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The Spanish professional who won a record 21st Grand Slam title in Australia this year has many records at the Monte Carlo Masters other than having the most titles. He is the one with most finals counting 12, most consecutive titles (8), most consecutive finals (9), most matches played (79) and most matches won (73) so far. The 35-year-old also has won the most consecutive matches that counting 46 matches.

Nadal is currently resting having won the ATP Cup summer set trophy, Australian Open 2022 against Daniil Medvedev, Mexican Open against Cameron Norrie. His last match was played at the Indian Wells Masters final this year losing to Taylor Fritz.