Rafael Nadal’s History In Monte-Carlo

In 2003, Rafael Nadal won two matches at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters as a 16-year-old. Ever since, the Spaniard has dominated at the first ATP Masters 1000 clay-court tournament of the season.

Nadal has triumphed in Monaco 11 times, one of three events (also Barcelona & Roland Garros) at which the lefty has lifted that many trophies. The 32-year-old arrives this year trying to make more history, pursuing a record 12th crown.

Fast Facts
– By defeating Kei Nishikori in last year’s Monte-Carlo final, Nadal became the first man in the Open Era to win 11 titles at a single tournament. He would later earn 11th crowns at Barcelona and Roland Garros.

– Nadal won 46 straight matches in Monte-Carlo from 2005-13, a record for consecutive victories at a single tournament.

– Of his 11 triumphs at this ATP Masters 1000 tournament, Nadal has not dropped a set on five occasions.

– Nadal has not lost a match against Roger Federer (3-0), Andy Murray (3-0), Stan Wawrinka (2-0) or Dominic Thiem (2-0) in Monte-Carlo.

– From 2006-08, Nadal defeated Federer in three consecutive Monte-Carlo finals, winning seven of eight sets against the Swiss star.

Five Nadal Stats From Indian Wells
First Match: 2003, Nadal def. Karol Kucera 6-1, 6-2

First Title: 2005, Nadal def. Guillermo Coria 6-3, 6-1, 0-6, 7-5

Record: 68-4

Top 10 record : 22-3

6-0 Sets Won: 11

Most Recent Appearance: 2018
Nadal arrived in Monaco having won 10 consecutive matches at the clay-court ATP Masters 1000 tournament. But the Spaniard had not played a tournament since the Australian Open due to a hip injury.

That didn’t matter for Nadal, as he stormed to his 11th crown in Monte-Carlo, triumphing at the prestigious event without dropping a set. On average, Nadal lost just two games per set en route to his victory.

Seed at the 2019 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters: No. 2

Did You Know?
Nadal is the only competitor from the 2003 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters who was directly accepted into this year’s main draw.