Rafael Nadal earns new records despite early Monte Carlo exit

Rafael Nadal returned to the court for the first time in two months this week, seeking the 12th Monte Carlo crown at one of his beloved events.

The Spaniard won 71 out of 76 matches in the Principality since 2003, making a debut at 16 and winning the first title two years later to start unmatched domination. Making a good start at his favorite surface, Rafa toppled Federico Delbonis and Grigor Dimitrov in style to reach the 16th quarter-final in the Principality.

Thus, Rafa became the third player with 16 quarter-finals at a single ATP event after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer, and also the only one who did that at the Masters 1000 level! To make things even better, Rafa has entered the last eight in the Principality for 16 straight times, which is an incredible feat and a testimony of his greatness and consistency.

Nadal has secured at least one Masters 1000 quarter-final for the 17th consecutive season, standing two years behind Roger Federer and two in front of Novak Djokovic. In another milestone, Rafa played his 79th match in Monte Carlo, matching Roger Federer's record, as the Swiss played that many in Indian Wells. In the battle for the semis, Nadal lost to Rublev 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, unable to match the youngster's pace and ending his journey in the last eight.