Rafael Nadal sets himself HUGE goal after winning Monte Carlo Masters

The world No 1 overcame Kei Nishikori of Japan 6-3, 6-2 for an 11th success in the principality of Monaco.

The Spaniard has suffered from injury problems in recent months but earned his 31st Masters title in the first event which he has completed in 2018, having retired at the Australian Open and withdrawn from the Mexican Open, Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open.

Nadal, ‘The King of Clay’, has won his last 36 straight sets on red dirt since last year’s French Open and now looks to maintain titles at the Barcelona Open and Madrid Open before returning to Roland Garros to defend his Grand Slam crown next month.

And the 31-year-old hopes to use his success in Monte Carlo as a springboard for success as he looks to remain above rival Roger Federer and add to his tally of 76 career singles titles, 54 of those coming on clay.

“It is very special,” Nadal said after beating Nishikori for a record-breaking triumph. “But 11 titles here, it’s unbelievable, so it’s something difficult to imagine. 

“I always say the same: If I did it, somebody else can do it. But it is very difficult. 

“I really don’t know how these things can happen because it is lot of years without making mistakes and without being unlucky in this week. I have been unlucky other weeks, but not this week.

“The history with this tournament is unique. To put another trophy in my museum, in my academy, is going to be something great. 

“Eleven is a lot, especially here in Monte Carlo.”

Nadal does not have long to celebrate however, with the Barcelona Open – where he faces either Andreas Haider-Maurer or Roberto Carballes Baena in his opening match in the second round – awaiting this week.

And the 16-time Grand Slam champion added: “This week is another week that I have a tough draw in Barcelona. 

“Today is a day to enjoy this because winning a tournament like this one not happening every day. But tomorrow I need to start being focused on the next week. 

“It is not the moment to stop and to disconnect your mind, it’s the moment to stay focused and to keep holding that momentum that is good one after winning seven matches in a row on clay now, this year. 

“That’s a positive thing. The way that I won the matches is very positive. So it is the moment to keep going, and that’s my goal.”

Nadal will begin his Barcelona campaign on Wednesday. His two possible opponents, Haider-Maurer and Carballes Baena face off at approximately 9am on Tuesday.