Rafa snaps Djokovic hex with another Monte Carlo crown

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France (Sports Network) - If there was one place Rafael Nadal was going to end a lengthy skid against Novak Djokovic, it was the soothing red clay at the Monte Carlo Country Club.

Nadal captured his eighth consecutive Monte Carlo Masters title, and snapped a seven-match losing streak to Djokovic in the process, with a 6-3, 6-1 rout of the world No. 1 in Sunday's final.

Djokovic had dominated Nadal like no one else could since the start of 2011, beating the Spanish superstar in seven consecutive finals. Included in that amazing run were victories at each of the last three Grand Slams, including a five-set thriller at the Australian Open in January.

Sunday's match, though, was virtually no contest from the start.

Nadal picked up an early break and rolled from there. He closed out the first set in 46 minutes with a second break, as Djokovic blew a shot wide after saving one set point with a perfect serve and volley.

Djokovic sent a backhand long to give Nadal a break for a 2-0 lead in the second set and the 10-time Grand Slam champ solidified it with a hold at love in the next game. Another break followed for a 4-0 cushion before Djokovic finally got on the board with a break of Nadal in the next game, drawing cheers from the crowd.

The momentum didn't last long, as Nadal broke right back for a 5-1 edge and completed the domination in the following game with an ace.

Nadal notched his 42nd straight win at the Monte Carlo Country Club and improved to 44-1 all-time at the event. It was also his 20th career Masters title, snapping a tie with Roger Federer for the most all-time.