Nadal hails Monte Carlo win after tough times

Even king of clay Rafael Nadal was struggling on Sunday to comprehend the full significance of his ninth title from ten finals at the Monte Carlo Masters. The Spaniard who has ruled for most of his career on the dirt, went for two and three-quarter hours before beating Frenchman Gael Monfils 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 in a morale-boosting victory of massive proportions. Compete well two weeks in a row is something so positive," Nadal said.