Rafael Nadal reigns at Monte Carlo for eighth consecutive year

Photo:AFP

Rafael Nadal finally managed to beat Novak Djokovic in a final, breezing 6-3, 6-1 on Sunday to win the Monte Carlo Masters for the eighth straight year and end a run of seven losses to his rival in title matches, reports the Associated Press.

Nadal wasn't troubled by the world’s top-ranked player in this match, breaking his serve five times to win his 42nd straight match at Monte Carlo. It was his first title since last year’s French Open and the 47th of his career.

Djokovic, who has been playing through grief since the death of his grandfather Thursday, said he felt emotionally drained and was unable to summon the mental strength he needed to dig deep against Nadal.