Top five Monte Carlo Masters finals in recent history

2005: Rafael Nadal defeated Guillermo Coria, 6-3, 6-1, 0-6, 7-5

It was the beginning of a phenomenon. Nadal had his first victory this year. He was a fledgling player in the time dominated by the legends like Roger Federer.

He made his statement by annihilating the 2004 French Open finalists Gaston Gaudio and Guillermo Coria with new-age retrieving and offensive topspin. Nadal used his sliding serve to great effect and was extremely comfortable taking the return of serve early. He thereby defeated the defending champion. The title undoubtedly gave Nadal the confidence to outlast Coria in the Rome final just weeks later and then run through Federer in the French Open semifinals.