Rafael Nadal Now Leads All Players With 31 Masters Titles [Chart]

by Tom Gainey | April 23rd, 2018, 3:49 pm
  • 111 Comments

With his 11th Monte Carlo title yesterday, Rafael Nadal took sole possession of the most Masters titles in history, passing Novak Djokovic with 31.

Nadal also has amassed 76 career titles including a record 54 on clay.

“I always repeat the same,” Nadal said. “My true feeling is these kind of things not going to happen forever, so just try to enjoy and to play with the full passion and with the full energy and concentration, full love for the sport until I can. That’s it.


“I know the day to say good-bye is closer than 10 years ago. Is something that I am not worried about, but is a real thing. So just enjoying every day and trying to play with the best attitude possible, to keep being happy playing tennis, no? That’s all.

“Yeah, of course is a special day for me. Winning again this title here in Monte-Carlo means a lot, especially because is the first tournament in the year that I finished. Have the victory in a Masters 1000, especially in Monte-Carlo, that for me is, yeah, one of the most important ones in terms of personal feeling and in terms of history of our sport.

“Very excited and very happy for everything.”

Nadal will try to add two more next month in Madrid and Rome. And with Roger Federer closing in on 37 and Djokovic in limbo, will anyone catch Rafa?

MOST MASTERS TITLES
Rafael Nadal 31
Novak Djokovic 30
Roger Federer 27
Andre Agassi 17
Andy Murray 14
Pete Sampras 11


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111 Comments for Rafael Nadal Now Leads All Players With 31 Masters Titles [Chart]

Humble Rafa Says:

For those of you who struggle in Math:

31 is greater than 30
31 is definitely greater than 27


RZ Says:

What are the chances that Murray would bag 4 or more titles and move up to #4 on this list?


AndyMira Says:

Hmmhh!…HR is here to stir the pot!Hope Rafans will not respond to it…Rafa would NEVER EVER bragging about his achievements!


chofer Says:

HR behaving like the “Arrogant One”? Who knew? The human bites the dog.


rognadfan Says:

^ Actually, HR has always been obnoxiously arrogant. Now that quality has sky rocketed!.

Only bad part of Nadal sweeping the clay season is HR’s arrogance go from the bushy trunk to chimney! and his incessant complains about Fed missing the clay season!


skeezer Says:

HR has always been arrogant. Nothing new there.


james the 1st Says:

HR continues being himself all these years. Some changes in his writing style but has passionately continued stirring pots on tennis-x.

HR, how are your cats doing? Or was it skeezer with cats? :D


skeezer Says:

HR has the cats, he has been in the closet with this. I have no cats, this is well known.


Willow Says:

If Federer wants to miss the CC season thats his perogative ….


Willow Says:

The Masters “GOAT” lol ….


AndyMira Says:

Willow!…Masters GOAT??Now!it sounds good too!Hehehe…


Willow Says:

Yeah congrats to Rafa, its an amazing achievement ;-)


Willow Says:

AndiMira lol ;-)


Willow Says:

As if we would ever discuss such a thing here lol ….


AndyMira Says:

There’s nothing to discuss about GOAT yet Will!…All the GOAT candidates still playing….and Rafa just told me he intend to play till he’s 40…and Novak till 45…


Sophia Says:

MC still isn’t mandatory.
This is a joke


j-kath Says:

RZ: Andy can do it – no problem….


Willow Says:

J-Kath im pretty sure Andy will add more Masters to his resume ;-)


Margot Says:

Nice to see royalty gracing us with his presence…;)


j-kath Says:

Margot: Being gracious – but forgot to give the other rhe other half of his name…dearie me, filtering history….


Humble Rafa Says:

Is it true that when British royals have kids, every adult must go home that night and do their deed with their significant other to celebrate?

#royal benefits


j-kath Says:

Humble Rafa:

What the British have to do is to go home and count their pennies wondering how much more they will have to contribute in the future.


gonzalowski Says:

jejej these royal issues…


gonzalowski Says:

By the way, I recommend a great and very funny novel by Alan Bennett, ‘The uncommon reader’ with the Queen as starring.
In this novel I see what they call british humour.


Markus Says:

For those who struggle in analogy and math:

The majors is greater than the Masters.
And 20 is greater than 16.


Markus Says:

Addendum: while players like Zverev, Dimitrov, Isner and Sock have collected Masters none of them could even get to the finals of a mojor. Whereas the Masters may be good steps to the ladder, the Majors remain the peak.


J.S. Says:

Everyone waiting for the next gen to attack, it’s not happening until we have some retirements!
I’m giving credit where credit is due…Rafa is the best – take a vaca Fed fans he’s not playing anytime soon!!
When Andy is back in action w/ my beloved Rafa we can cheer!
And, I like me some humblerafa, is that bad? Lol

Goat = Rafa


J.S. Says:

Everyone waiting for the next gen to attack, it’s not happening until we have some retirements!
I’m giving credit where credit is due…Rafa is the best – take a vaca Fed fans he’s not playing anytime soon!!
When Andy is back in action w/ my beloved Rafa we can cheer!
And, I like me some humblerafa, is that bad? Lol

Goat = Rafa


Humble Rafa Says:

And 20 is greater than 16.

23 is greater than 15. I will go one step further and help you. That is 61% vs 39%.

Also, I am spring chicken, with a lot of time.


AndyMira Says:

Yo J.S!…U’re going to watch Rafa today?U lucky thing!…U have to cheer loudly & scream..I love u Rafa!..Then we’ll know it’s u!


squirrel Says:

Masters GOAT indeed!!!


Anto Says:

Novak has already lost the first set 6-2. Is he going to go out again in first round? I hope not.


Van Persie Says:

yeah, would be a shame for him to lose in the 1st, even if Klizan can be really good.
Would be also a good sign , if Djoko won his 3 setter


Van Persie Says:

Djoko lost all 3 setter (2 played in total) after surgery


Anto Says:

Well i think I spoke too soon. He takes the second set 6-1.


Van Persie Says:

Well Anto, he did not win yet either


Van Persie Says:

Do not see the match, but did read somewhere, Gebhard Gritsch is in Djoko’s box. Perhaps Djoko wants him back


Van Persie Says:

ok, Nole out . still a lot work to do
Estoril next week


Daniel Says:

Damm it. Saw the end of second set and he was playing so well. Another three setter lost. He is totally out of confidence.
Hope he enters next tourney next week. He needs matches.


skeezer Says:

Novak loses another one early. Did not see the match but should he be playing? Needs more off court conditioning practicing etc. Losing 1rst or 2nd rounds consistently tells you that. Or maybe play Challengers?
—-
Rafa looks like he is gong to have a romp in the Dirt this year. No Andy, Novak, & Fed. Where is Stan?
The rest of the competion looks pathetic so far, and Rafa looks like in cruise mode Yawn. Roll on.


Van Persie Says:

I think it s a really good decision he started to play on the “big stage”, even if he loses, if he does not feel pain. He should not played have in Miami and IW. That was too early.


Van Persie Says:

It was only a bad idea to chose Barcelona over Budapest.


Anto Says:

Oh nole lost again. He was playing really well in second set. Guess his confidence has also taken a hit. Hope he can regain it.


j-kath Says:

Noel’s persistance will pay dividends with the caveat that he stays positive.


lylenubbins Says:

Rafa’s attitude is just awesome


lylenubbins Says:

Nole needs match play but these losses are not good for his confidence, it’s tricky.


skeezer Says:

Title should change to Most Masters Titles on Clay.


Daniel Says:

Indeed, he has 22 Clay Masters and his last non clay Masters was Cincy 2013.

But even so, I bet he is not worried about not winning HC masters these days, as he has won 2 USO after his last HC Masters.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Shocked at Novak’s loss. I thought he was going to get momentum from MC and just keep getting better.
Can’t imagine being a Novak fan right now, its hard enough with this roller coaster of hopes and crashes just for general tennis fans who want him back.

I agree with Skeezer, the only threats to Nadal on clay were the other Big Five. Even if Rafa would beat them, at least you could believe they had a chance. There’s really no tension in the tour right now.

The only question is if and when Rafa will lose. In all but 1 of his great clay seasons, he’s taken 1 loss along the way. I would guess Madrid is his most vulnerable tournament?

I still will take DelPotro as the favourite for the job, ahead of Thiem, Zverev or any others. Maybe Kyrgios might have a chance. Where’s he at? How does he do on clay?


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Skeeze, give Rafa his due. He has 8 Masters on hard court. That’s nothing to sneeze at- that matches Edberg and Wilander’s career total, and just 3 below Sampras.

We all know he’s the best on clay. But without those hardcourt masters, he wouldn’t have this record.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

He might’ve bagged two more hardcourt masters just last year if he hadn’t run into Fed during his miracle stretch.


Daniel Says:

TV,

Agree, I think he may get 1 loss more on tiredeness and his body maybe not handling 20 clay matches before RG plus age, he is 1 month shy of 32 now.

But if he keeps not losing sets and winning in less than 90 minutes (which is new for him), added that he is more rested this season, he can sweap the whole thing.


Daniel Says:

correctio: 23 Clay Masters, forgot Hamburg 2008, last edition it was a Masters.


skeezer Says:

23 Clay masters. Like I said.
TV, just pointing out the obvious. And he is gonna get more Masters……on Clay.


Czarlazar Says:

Djokovic had Gritsch (and Vajda) in his box today, which is good. Unfortunately he also had Pepe and Marko there, which is not so good. The Pepe-inspired vegan diet is preventing Nole from playing at the required level. He is emaciated, and though he wants to win, it’s not possible because his groundstrokes have lost considerable pace, his movement is erratic and his serve is now a liability. Unless he gains back the 10 kg he’s lost since 2016, his quest to regain form is pointless and unachievable.


Markus Says:

Djokovic looks so thin. His strokes have lost speed and power. Any decent player can handle that now which gives them a bit more confidence playing against him which they they didn’t have only a couple of years ago. How long will it take for Djokovic gain back his optimum playing weight and the accompanying power, speed and accuracy? He’s almost 31. He may run out of time. The bright side is his biggest opponents are old (Federer), getting old on his weaker surfaces but still untouchable on clay (Nadal), and injured and recuperating poorly (Murray, we can add Wawrinka). Another bright side is that the younger generations look like duds (those with potentials are injured more often than not). Djokovic can still dominate again but he has has to get his way back there fast.

Eat, Novak, eat! Have some good quality proteins.


Markus Says:

Oops! That^^^ looks like an echo of Czarlazar’s post. Sorry for not reading first. Can’t delete anymore.


Okiegal Says:

If Novak can’t do it in two……he poops out in three. Stamina not good atm….I think he will eventually get there, but guys he’s been out a long time…….Agree that he’s very thin. He needs more calorie intake which means more energy. He looked sapped that last set…..


Humble Rafa Says:

When you have peace, you don’t need to win a tennis match.

# pepe calls


Humble Rafa Says:

Some people sit out the clay court season, while others make history.

If I win 2 slams this year and win two more next year….


Markus Says:

Peace and fish would be good for Novak.


skeezer Says:

‘If Novak can’t do it in two……he poops out in three.”
He is pooping out way to much, maybe that is the problem.


Markus Says:

At his caliber and the quality of the oppositio, it’s not impossible for Rafa to win 4 or more French Opens. That would be mind-boggling. Not that 10 is not. A sprinkling of slams from other surfaces cannot be ruled out either.


Humble Rafa Says:

Not that I need to put up facts but here is one for the nay sayers.

Nadal has now won THIRTY-SIX consecutive sets on clay (stretching back to 2017 Roland Garros 1st round).

None of his opponents have won more than four games in any of these sets.


Okiegal Says:

@Skeezer…….Eeek….. I hadn’t thought of that! That’s a problem all right! 🤭🤭


chofer Says:

Every day I love Delpo more for showing the comeback trail is for grown men, really. Stanimal and Andy will travel this painful road to the spotlight just the same.

I hope this trio the best.


Humble Rafa Says:

Okie and Skeeze – since you seem to be experts on that, we will let you sort it out.

Just leave us out of it. You are welcome.


RZ Says:

Klizan seems to show up for one match each year, and then disappears for most of the rest of the year.


Willow Says:

Markus id rule Wimbledon out of the equation for Nadal now to be honest, but USO and AO are both possibilities ….


Willow Says:

Klizan is a big hitter, so he can hit anyone off the court, especially one thats lacking in confidence, and taking a while to come back, i remember him beating Nadal somewhere a while ago ….


skeezer Says:

HR,
Experts on what? You’re the expert for sure!
#fingerscheck


Czarlazar Says:

Klizan is a good player and injuries have kept him down of late. However, Novak should not be losing to him, especially since Klizan is on the comeback trail himself. But it is literally impossible for the former King of tennis to regain form when he’s this underweight and undernourished. How can he not realize it himself? Or is he purposely finding a way to escape from the tour because he’s lost his passion for the game?


Humble Rafa Says:

#fingerscheck

Is that a cat terminology?


Willow Says:

Maybe players are just better than Novak is right now, and nothing to do with the diet, the guru, the wife, the coach whomever, he just doesnt have that intimidation factor anymore, maybe he will get it back, time will tell, i personally think he will get back to the top and win big titles again, i just dont think he will dominate anymore ….


Markus Says:

Willow, now that you’ve ruled out Wimbledon, Rafa would probably win it. Who’s there to win it? Roger is old and it looks like it is this year where age will finally catch up on him. Who’s left? Every likely candidate is injured. Maybe del Potro? Nadal has as much chance as he does. Of those currently healthy and standing, with the exception of Federer, Nadal has a better chance than anyone. He’ll probably dig deep this year and try to win it again. It his last best chance for Wimbledon.


Willow Says:

Markus i like your summary, i just dont see it as a realisti possibility given his poor record since 2012 lol ….


Czarlazar Says:

Willow: how can any tennis player, professional or recreational, lose that much weight/muscle mass and not have it affect the pace of their strokes or their physical endurance? It has nothing to do with “intimidation factor” and everything to do with malnourishment.


Willow Says:

Realistic ….


Humble Rafa Says:

It has nothing to do with “intimidation factor” and everything to do with malnourishment.


Dear No Name,

Malnourished? Should we raise funds for him? He lost weight on purpose, I would think.


Willow Says:

Czarlazar i see it as a bit of both to be honest, i said a few years ago he was too thin, and i got told nah he has the perfect body for type for tennis not punishing on the body, hmm maybe i was right after all ….


Czarlazar Says:

HR: of course he lost weight on purpose, but that’s the problem. He’s not well in the head, which caused him to go vegan and mix with losers like Pepe. If you had Pepe instead of Uncle Toni by your side, you’d be at risk of losing weight “on purpose” also.


j-kath Says:

Czarlazar

Wow – what a coincidence….you mention Uncle Toni — there’s an article – so bizarre – that runs with a storyline of Uncle Toni working with Nole….will see if I can find it —


Okiegal Says:

@Humble……I am honored that you think I’m an expert at something………being old gives you the upper on certain matters…….👍👍💩💩😜😜

You’re welcome!!


Czarlazar Says:

J-Kath: yes I saw it in the Serbian press this morning. However, it seems more to be “respect for the fallen” than anything. Nole has become an object of pity and everyone in the inner circle of tennis knows he’s finished unless he dumps Pepe and veganism. And perhaps also his flitty wife.


Okiegal Says:

Correction at 7:12 …….. the upper hand……


j-kath Says:

Okiegal: You have the “upper hand” because you are wiser!


Van Persie Says:

Czarlazar,

If Novak really wants to be back on top he will realize he needs to change this diet. It is up to him. I follow his matches without expectations lately and it helps me not to be disappointed , when he loses. :)

J-Kath,

Tony Nadal was asked if hypothetically, if he would accept to be Nole’s coach. Am sure Nole would never ask or want that and Tony would never accept it.
It was a question”just for fun” to put it this way :)


Van Persie Says:

I wrote here a few weeks ago, that I thought Nole was done with tennis….am not yet sure if he tries to find the will to “come back” atm, or if he really wants it.


j-kath Says:

VP: Realise a Nole and Tony arrangement would be bizarre …personally I really want Nole to re-establish himself and nwsp. comments along these lines are extremely disappointing…..turning the screw so to speak.


Van Persie Says:

J-Kath,

I was really disappointed last year. I did learn to live with this in the mean time …I accept the things as they are as it is not ok for me to be angry for issues, which I cannot change :) It is really up to Novak.
Am still posting here, as I got a bit addicted to read or to post comments here, but everything has a beginning and an end.


Van Persie Says:

P.S.

Glad to see that Klizan has a good run atm. Perhaps he was really, really good yesterday ;)


Van Persie Says:

Think Deliciano would have preffered to play Nole today ;)


Humble Rafa Says:

Let me tell you about Uncle Toni. If he ever were to coach the Egg Lover (which would never happen, but let’s dream for a while), he would want the peace nik Pepe put away for good.

Then the Egg Lover will have to go to the Uncle Toni school to learn all the signs that he will need to understand during matches. 4 months

Then comes lining up water bottles. 3 months.

Art of taking medical time out. 3 months.

It will be mid 2020 before the they even get to the tennis part.
Then


Humble Rafa Says:

Also, the Egg Lover would neet to put in an application and wait for approval before meeting with Jelena. Uncle Toni can be a pain but the results the unquestionable.

More grand slams than any other coach in history. And a good uncle.


j-kath Says:

HR @ 6.41am

I enjoyed that self-accusatory humour….cheeky and brave!


Okiegal Says:

@JK 3:47……. Yeppers, it’s that age thingy coming through with flying colors…….🤗🤗🤗


Markus Says:

There are signs that Djokovic is not going anywhere just yet: Vajda, now Gritsch. A fitness trainer would also have a say about his diet. Novak may soon start eating again.


j-kath Says:

Sorri to hear that Oki.


Willow Says:

Okie i intend to fly over to see you at some point, and i seriously mean that my friend ;-)


Czarlazar Says:

If I was the Egg Lover, I’d submit the application immediately. Uncle Toni’s terms are very reasonable!


AndyMira Says:

Oh really Willow??Ohohohoho!…AWESOME!!…I’m really jealous!!!


Willow Says:

AndiMira lol im deadly serious, although it wont be for a while yet, in a couple of years probably all been well, it would just be me though no hubby ;-)


Willow Says:

^ Hope shes reading ? ^ ….


Czarlazar Says:

Markus: the Gritsch thing is positive if they reunite, but let’s face reality. Djokovic went soft in the head after Roland Garros 2016, mainly due to Pepe and Jelena’s influence. Concurrent with his subsequent drop in form, he went on a spending spree, after previously living frugally in a small apartment in Monte Carlo. He bought two condos in Manhattan and a luxury penthouse in Miami Beach, and is building a country home in Serbia. These are substantial expenses and the Lacoste deal he signed in 2017 is important to fund them, especially as his tournament winnings have plummetted. What I’m hearing is his heart is not fully in the comeback but he cannot jeopardize endorsement revenue unless he’s prepared to endure the humiliation of shedding assets, downsizing his lifestyle, foundation, etc. The main problem is he’s in the grip of two influential cultists who won’t allow him to go back to his Serbian Orthodox gladiator mindset which is necessary for him to recover. If he remains a philosopher, citizen of the world, pious vegan, with a low carbon footprint and peace and love in his heart, then he doesn’t have a chance.


AndyMira Says:

Hey back willow!…Oh!not in a near future?That’s okay!…At least u have a plan…and go alone definitely more fun i think…can’t wait for it to happen will!…Oh!..Will!will u please find the right time that clash with Rafa playing in the US?I so want for Miss Okie to go watch him..but so far,she can’t find a friend/companion to accompany her…It’s going to be awesome if u both can watch rafa together Will!!…It will make me very very happy if Okie can watch Rafa with u by her side!!…Cheering & screaming for rafa together!…


Van Persie Says:

Czarlazar,

Very well said. I also think those are the reasons, for which Djokovic is playing after the FO 2016.
Djokovic went through a similar slump after the AO 2008, he had the unknown (at that moment) gluten sensitivity issue, but also celebrated a bit too much that GS title, my pov.
Now he cannot get the motivation after the FO 2016 and he is a vegan.
Time will tell if he can and if he is really willing to come back…but, in the mean time, time flies and he is not getting any younger.


Van Persie Says:

P.S…and teh actual slump is much, much deeper!

hehe Klizan- Rafa tomorrow. Should be a good one, but am sure Rafa will win


Okiegal Says:

@Willow…..did you see my answer to you on PM?? You will get a laugh……When we were vacationing in Washington DC….. I met a lot of Brits. One particular couple I visited with from the UK had been to the states several times…. they were fascinated by Washington DC. I loved my chat with them….they were in love with the USA….. I can’t remember how many times they’d been here. but said they planned on seeing it all before they were done !


Willow Says:

Okie i didnt see any post from you hun ….

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