Rafael Nadal beat Japan’s Kei Nishikori in straight sets in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters to retain his status as world number one. The 31-year-old Spaniard won 6-3 6-2 in 94 minutes to claim a record-extending 11th triumph at the clay-court event. Nadal has won 36 straight sets on his favoured surface after proving too strong for world number 36 Nishikori. He had to win the Masters 1000 tournament to prevent Roger Federer overtaking him in the rankings. “It’s always special for me to be back here, having this trophy. It’s one of the most important events of the year for me,” said Nadal.

Source: BBC Sport