Monaco
Nadal was at his dominant best against Kei Nishikori, beating him, 6-3, 6-2, in the Monte Carlo Masters final to become the first man in the Open era to win the same title 11 times.
“It’s unbelievable,” Nadal said, pausing to take it in. “It’s something difficult to imagine.”
A 10th win in 12 matches against Nishikori wasn’t, however, even when the Japanese player broke him for a 2-1 lead early on.
Nadal moved one ahead of rival Novak Djokovic for career Masters titles.
Nadal’s first Monte Carlo title came as a scraggly-haired 18-year-old in 2005. But Nadal had already burst onto the scene in astonishing fashion at this sun-soaked Mediterranean venue two years earlier, beating French Open champion Albert Costa in the second round.
It was the start of a remarkable ascendancy for Nadal in becoming the best clay-court player of all time, underlined by more than 50 titles on his favorite surface and including 10 French Opens, both of them records.
The fire still burns as strongly for Nadal.
“These kind of things not going to happen forever. So (I) just try to play with the full passion and with the full energy and concentration, full love for the sport until I can,” the 31-year-old Nadal said. “I know the day to say goodbye is closer than 10 years ago.”
Given how easily he won this tournament, without dropping a set, that parting moment seems a long way off yet. His level of perfection is something for others to worry about. After his semifinal, he rushed to an outside practice court to perfect his forehand.
“I was just looking to relax,” Nadal said. “To hit some balls hard and to move the arm without nerves.”
Nadal’s win also ensured the Spaniard keeps his top ranking ahead of Roger Federer, as well as taking him to 76 career titles.
“To put another trophy in my museum, in my academy, is going to be something great,” Nadal said. “This is one of the most important ones in terms of (my) personal feeling.”
Landry Wins First Tourney
San Antonio
The 30-year-old Texan parred the final seven holes for a 4-under 68 and a two-stroke victory over Trey Mullinax and Sean O’Hair. Landry finished at 17-under 271 at TPC San Antonio.
Landry took a two-stroke lead to the par-5 18th after Mullinax chunked a flop shot and bogeyed the short par-4 17th. Landry hit a 55-foot putt over a ridge to 3 feet for par on 17 and made an 8-footer on 18 after running a 50-foot downhill birdie try past.
Mullinax closed with a 69 a day after breaking the AT&T Oaks Course record with a 62. O’Hair shot 66.
Jutanugarn Breaks Drought
Los Angeles
The 23-year-old from Thailand shot a 3-under 68 to finish at 12-under 272 at Wilshire Country Club in the tour’s return to Los Angeles after a 13-year absence.
Jutanugarn won in her 156th start after three career runner-up finishes, including at the Honda LPGA Thailand in February. She notched 21 top-10 finishes before winning.
Chelsea in FA Cup Final
London
Giroud, who had been selected ahead of Morata to spearhead Chelsea’s attack, scored the first goal within 30 seconds of the second half starting with a mesmerizing piece of dribbling deep inside the Southampton penalty area.
Having been found by Hazard, the Frenchman picked his way past Southampton defenders to leave himself a simple tap-in from close range.
Morata, who came on to replace Giroud in the second half, headed Chelsea’s second in the 82nd minute with a simple header following a cross from defender Cesar Azpilicueta.
MLS: Timbers Stop NYCFC
Portland, Ore.
New York City had won five matches and tied two and was the only Eastern Conference team without a loss going into the weekend.
The Timbers have won two straight after going without a victory in their first five matches. Portland opened the season with five straight on the road because of construction at Providence Park.
David Villa started and wore the captain’s armband for NYCFC, entering the game just one goal away from reaching 400 total goals for club and country. Only four current players internationally have more: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Luis Suarez.
SOUNDERS 3, MINNESOTA UNITED 1
SEATTLE (AP) — Gustav Svensson and Will Bruin scored in a three-minute span midway through the first half and Seattle won for the first time this season, beating Minnesota United.
Jordy Delem added a goal in second-half stoppage time for Seattle.
The Sounders (1-3-1), MLS Cup winners in 2016 and runners-up last year, had been the only MLS team without a victory through the first seven weeks.
Christian Ramirez scored for Minnesota (2-5-0).