Monte Carlo win no guarantee for French Open

Julien Pretot

Rafael Nadal was not taking his fifth Monte Carlo Masters title as a guarantee of success at the French Open even though he has followed up his previous wins in the principality with victory at Roland Garros.

Nadal had to dig deep to beat world number three Novak Djokovic 6-3 2-6 6-1 for his record fifth successive title, dropping a set for the first time since his 2006 final against Roger Federer.

"I did it four years. That's nothing, no? It is a completely different tournament and there are some weeks left before Roland Garros," the Spaniard told reporters. "I am focused on Barcelona and Rome later (this season). So, yes, there are some important tournaments before."

However, Nadal has now won 27 successive matches in Monte Carlo and is undefeated at the French Open, having triumphed at the claycourt grand slam four times in as many attempts.

The 22-year-old said there was some room for improvement in his game, especially on serve. Nadal was broken twice in the opening set as Serb Djokovic opened a 3-1 lead.

"The serve is really important because I was serving better in the beginning of the season," Nadal said.

MONTE CARLO, Monday, Reuters