Rafael Nadal lived up to his billing as the top seed of the Argentina Open presentado por Buenos Aires Ciudad, as he worked his way through the draw to eventually lift the crown following a quick final against Juan Monaco.

Faced against the local favourite on hostile territory, Nadal required only 1 hour and 27 minutes to dispatch his opposition and secure his first title of the season. The Spaniard, who did not face a single break point on serve, closed out the match 6-4, 6-1.

“All titles are special, but I’m really happy because I have not been a champion for a long time,” said Nadal. “Against [Monaco], I played my best of the week. That is great news for me because I’m trying to gain more confidence.”

Article Continues Below Ad

While the contest was a straightforward affair, the hours leading up to it certainly weren’t. A two-hour rain delay ahead off the final forced the tournament officials to add more clay to the court, which did not impress a grumpy-looking Nadal. However, in front of legends like Guillermo Vilas, Nadal was able to win the match, and tie Vilas for 46 clay court titles in the Open Era.

Nadal took home $91,050 and 250 Emirates ATP Rankings points for his title win, while Monaco fell to 1-6 against the world No. 5.

“It was a difficult week at first, but then I took confidence and I think I’m slowly returning to my best,” said Monaco. “That’s why I leave here happy.”