Monday, April 19, 2010

Nadal "Six-Peats" at Monte Carlo Masters

World Number Three Rafael Nadal set a new Open Era record in Monte Carlo on Sunday by winning his sixth straight title in the same tournament. Nadal defeated three fellow Spaniards in two-time champ JC Ferrero, David Ferrer, and Fernando Verdasco en route to the title, upping his tally to 16 shields (tied with Roger Federer for 2nd all time).

Monte Carlo has traditionally signaled Rafa's dominance in the European clay-court swing of the ATP World Tour leading up to the French Open. Between 2005 and 2009, the "King of Clay" has amassed 19 titles in this part of the tour calendar, including 4 French Open titles and 10 shields. Will the trend continue this year?

Here is a look back at Nadal's achievements on clay between Monte Carlo and Roland Garros:

2005: Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome, Roland Garros
2006: Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome, Roland Garros
2007: Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome, Roland Garros
2008: Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Hamburg, Roland Garros
2009: Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome
2010: Monte Carlo

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