Spain's number one tennis player, Rafael Nadal, won his fifth consecutive Monte Carlo title on Sunday after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic 6-3, 2-6 and 6-1. Nadal had an easy first set, but Djokovic bounced back after Nadal allowed errors to creep in and the second set proved to be an edge-of-the-seat battle as a result.
However, the final set was not as exciting as Nadal returned to form and Djokovic seemed unfocused and powerless.
Rafael Nadal of Spain (L) and Novak Djokovic of Serbia pose after the final of the Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament in Monaco April 19, 2009. Nadal won the final.
Nadal now has 14 Masters 1,000 trophies, matching Switzerland's Roger Federer; and 23 wins on clay in 24 finals. Spain's tennis captain has improved his right hand and backhand cross, while his mobility and fluidity remain deadly weapons for wrong-footing his opponents.
Nadal continues to dominate the clay court and he is once again the favorite for the upcoming Roland Garros tournament.
Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in their final of the Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament in Monaco April 19, 2009