The World No 1 had been a doubtful starter this week with an injured ankle but played through the pain to lift his first trophy in the principality, the 37th of his career and 14th at the Masters 1000 level. u00a0It was also a huge psychological boost ahead of next month’s French Open where Nadal is a record seven-time champion.

Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating Rafael Nadal in the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters yesterday. Pic/AFP