Looking back at Nadal's Monte Carlo debut in 2003

In 2003, a 16-year-old Rafael Nadal competed in his very first match in Monte Carlo. Playing in just his second career ATP event, the teenager dismissed world No. 49-ranked Karol Kucera, 6-1, 6-2, and world No. 7 Albert Costa, 7-5, 6-3, before falling to Guillermo Coria.

Nadal was ranked No. 109 at the time, and the third-round performance earned him a spot in the Top 100 for the very first time.

Since then, the Spaniard has piled together a 68-4 record in Monaco, spanning 11 titles in 15 appearances. He holds the record for most matches and most titles, and for oldest player to win the title (he won last year at the age of 31).

Seeking his 12th title this week, the world No. 2 got off to a great start with dominant wins over Roberto Bautista Agut and Grigor Dimitrov. He faces Guido Pella in the quarterfinals. Nadal has made the quarterfinals or better 15 straight years.