Nadal extends reign in Monte Carlo Masters

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Nadal extends reign in Monte Carlo Masters

MONACO (AP) | Rafael Nadal won his seventh straight Monte Carlo Masters title Sunday by beating David Ferrer 6-4, 7-5. This was Nadal’s first tournament victory since October, ending a run of three defeats in title matches.

The top-ranked Nadal won for the 37th straight time at this clay-court event, where he has not lost since 2003.

It was his 44th career title - but first since the Japan Open - and 19th at a Masters event.

“To start the clay season like this is fantastic, but it’s more fantastic to win Monte Carlo another time,” Nadal said.

“This is the Masters tournament where I feel more emotion when I’m playing, because here in 2003 everything starts. I played qualifiers here, won two matches and was for the very first time in my career top 100.”

Nadal won when Ferrer, seeded fourth, sent the ball into the net after a brief exchange.