Monaco: Rafael Nadal thrashed Fernando Verdasco 6-0, 6-1 in yesterday's all-Spanish final to win the Monte Carlo Masters for the sixth straight year and end his title drought.
The second-seeded Nadal clinched his first title since the Rome Masters in May last year by overpowering the sixth-seeded Verdasco with a stunning display of attacking tennis that sends out a stern warning to his clay-court rivals.
Nadal is the only player to win six consecutive titles in the same tournament since tennis turned professional in 1968, and the 23-year-old is level with top-ranked Roger Federer on 16 Masters titles, one behind Andre Agassi's record.
Nadal sealed the win on his first match point with a forehand pass and fell to the ground, rolling on his back as he savoured his victory.
"It was emotional for me today, it was my best week for a long time," Nadal said. "It's unbelievable, Monte Carlo is my favourite tournament."
It was Nadal's 32nd straight win at Monte Carlo since his third-round loss to Guillermo Coria in 2003, and the relief at clinching his 37th career title was evident as he sobbed into a towel when he sat down.
