Rafael Nadal joins Roger Federer on exclusive Masters 1000 list

The 11-time Monte Carlo champion Rafael Nadal returned after almost two months, beating Federico Delbonis 6-1, 6-2 in an hour and 20 minutes to advance into the last 16.

Thus, Nadal scored the 390th Masters 1000 victory, moving closer to a milestone number that he should reach in Madrid or Rome in May. It was the 72nd Monte Carlo triumph for the Spaniard from 77 encounters, extending his incredible winning percentage and seeking the 12th crown in the Principality.

Besides, Nadal became the fourth player since the start of the Masters 1000 series in 1990 with 19 seasons with at least one victory at this level, joining Fabrice Santoro, Roger Federer and Feliciano Lopez. Nadal scored his first Masters 1000 victories in 2003 in Monte Carlo and Hamburg at 16, starting his incredible journey at this level that has led him towards 35 titles and many records.

Against Delbonis, Rafa lost serve once and produce five breaks to control the scoreboard and sail into the third round. Nadal made the best start, opening a 4-0 advantage and securing the opener with a forehand winner at 5-1. The 11-time champion grabbed a 3-0 lead in set number two before that only break for Delbonis in game four that extended the encounter a bit.

Rafa claimed the sixth game to stay in front and scored a break a few minutes later to move 5-1 up. Serving for the victory in game eight, Nadal saved a break chance with a forehand winner and seized the third match point to secure a milestone victory.