Rafael Nadal is back in the Masters winner’s circle…

The 29-year-old Spanish tennis star matched his Roland Garros haul to claim a ninth title at the Monte Carlo Masters.

Nadal wore down a stubborn Gael Monfils over two punishing sets before steamrollering his opponent in the decider to win 7-5, 5-7, 6-0 in two hours and 46 minutes.

With victory, Nadal — who won eight consecutive Monte Carlo crowns between 2005 and 2012 — equalled Novak Djokovic‘s record of 28 Masters titles.

“This has been one of the most special places in my career,” said Nadal, a 14-time Grand Slam champion. “It’s just a pleasure to be back here in a final playing in front of you at this amazing club.

“It has been a very special week for me, winning here in Monte Carlo. What really makes it even more special is the fantastic crowd. Many thanks to everybody here.”

Since his last Masters triumph at Madrid in 2014, Nadal has struggled for form and saw his ranking plummet to 10th last year — his lowest since he was a teenager in August 2005.

This victory will have tasted sweet for the world No.5, and will send out a warning that the King of Clay may be back just in time for the French Open, having racked up his 48th title on the surface.