Novak Djokovic has admitted that he could not have begun his clay court campaign any better than with his win in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters over Rafael Nadal this afternoon.
The world number one's participation had been thrown into doubt because of an ankle injury that he sustained while on Davis Cup duty with Serbia a fortnight ago.
However, he shook off the complaint to turn out at the event and went on to end Nadal's eight-year winning streak in the process.
"I cannot ask for a better start to my clay season," said Djokovic. "I did not know if I was going to be a part of the tournament this year. I made a decision to play and, right now, it's the best decision of my life."
Djokovic had never won the tournament before today.