Rafael Nadal allowed me to win it once, I’m very thrilled; he won 8 times in a row” – When Novak Djokovic exulted in maiden Monte-Carlo Masters win

Novak Djokovic was delighted to end Rafael Nadal’s longstanding reign at the Monte-Carlo Masters by securing his maiden title at the prestigious tournament.

Nadal, famously known as the ‘King of Clay,’ dominated the Monte-Carlo Masters, triumphing at the prestigious tournament for eight straight years between 2005 and 2012. He entered the 2013 edition of the Masters 1000 event as the third seed and overwhelming favorite for the title.

The Spaniard triumphed over the likes of Philipp Kohlschreiber, Grigor Dimitrov, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to set up a blockbuster title clash against top seed Novak Djokovic.

Following his losses in two previous Monte-Carlo Masters finals, Djokovic pulled off a commanding 6-2, 7-6(1) win over the eight-time defending champion, ending Nadal’s remarkable 46-match win streak at the tournament.

The Serb exulted in defeating Nadal in his third appearance in the final, quipping that the Spaniard graciously allowed him one win after eight consecutive triumphs.

“Well, he allowed me to win it once, and I’m very thrilled for that. He won it eight times in a row, so he’s been saying how much he loves and enjoys this tournament,”

he said in his post-match press conference.

“On the other hand I do, too. It was a third lucky time for me. That’s why it’s very special because it’s the first time I won this trophy at my home basically,”

he added.

Novak Djokovic, who resides in Monte-Carlo, also emphasized the emotional significance of winning on his ‘home turf,’ revealing that he had ardently coveted the elusive trophy for the previous seven years.

“I think anybody who saw my expression in the end saw that it was a very emotional win for the reasons I gave you already, living here, what I’ve been through in the last two weeks. It’s a very joyful moment for me,”

he said.

“I wanted that trophy badly all my life, especially in last six, seven years that I’ve been spending my time and living here between the tournaments in Monaco. This is a great confidence boost before the rest of the clay court season, definitely,”

he added.