Rafael Nadal now has more clay titles than any man in history

Rafael Nadal has set a new record for most clay titles among men. He won his 50th event on the surface on Sunday, defeating Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the Monte Carlo final.

He had been tied with Guillermo Vilas at 49 titles since his 2016 victory in Barcelona.

The record was a long-standing ambition for the Spaniard. While he racked up clay-court titles at a brisk rate during the dominant periods of his career, including a high of seven in 2005, he has played fewer events and had fewer wins in recent years.

It was also his 10th title in Monte Carlo—making him the first ATP player to win a title 10 times—and his 70th career title.

Monte Carlo has been an important event in Nadal's career. He won his Monte Carlo title in 2005, defeating Guillermo Coria in a thrilling five-set final. That marked the start of his European clay-court reign.

"When I was a kid, I always wanted to play in Monte Carlo," he said following his win. "The first time I played here, in 2003, I reached the third round as a qualifier.

"Winning in 2005, against Coria in that final, was an unbelievable moment for me. [Then] I was confident enough to keep going, winning in Barcelona, in Rome, then in Roland Garros."

The 30-year-old has also won nine times in Barcelona and nine times at the French Open, reflecting his extended success during this portion of the season.

"To win 10 times at such an important event like Monte Carlo, it's something difficult to describe my feelings," he said. "I feel lucky to keep playing tennis, being healthy all those years, in order to compete in one of the most beautiful events ... It is a very important day in my career."