Monte Carlo – Rafael Nadal claimed another Monte Carlo Masters title on Sunday as his preparations for the French Open heated up.

The world No 1 recovered from going a break down early in the first set to win 6-3, 6-2 in 93 minutes and has now won 36 consecutive sets on clay.

Nadal said:

“I want to thank all my team and my family. We had some tough moments during the last five months after a couple of injuries in a row.

“It’s great to have a group of great people behind me. I can say thank you very much always for being there and supporting me when I really need it.

“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.”

After retiring with a hip injury during his Australian Open quarter-final against Marin Cilic, Nadal withdrew from the Mexican Open, Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open due to the problem.