Rafael Nadal romped to a record-extending 11th Monte Carlo Masters title by brushing aside an outclassed Kei Nishikori in today's final to retain the world number one ranking.
The 31-year-old saw off Nishikori 6-3, 6-2 to become the first man to win a single tournament 11 times in the Open era with his 76th ATP Tour title.
Nadal's 31st Masters title is also an outright record, pulling him out of a tie with Novak Djokovic.
"I know the day to say goodbye is closer than 10 years ago. Is something that I am not worried about, but it's a real thing," said Nadal, who was playing at his first ATP event since retiring from an Australian Open quarter-final against Marin Cilic with a hip injury in January.
"So I'm just enjoying every day and trying to play with the best attitude possible, to keep being happy playing tennis."
"But I think I've been playing well this week, and I think I'm almost there." - Nadal snuffs out early threat -
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