The former world tennis number one Rafael Nadal has won his first title since Roland Garros last year in beating Juan Monaco to win the Argentina Open.
The 6-4 6-1 was Nadal's 46th clay-court title tying him with Guillermo Vilas for the most titles on the surface in the Open Era.
It was Nadal's 65th career crown on all surfaces, moving him into sole possession of fifth place on the Open Era all-time list led by the 109 titles of American Jimmy Connors.
Most importantly, it showed Nadal is headed in the right direction.
Rafael Nadal who was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open is finally back in the winner's circle. Photo: Photosport
The Spaniard, who battled injury last year after winning his ninth French Open, was eliminated early in Qatar and fell in the quarter-finals at the Australian Open in January.
He had fallen to fourth in the world after a semi-final loss to Italian Fabio Fognini in Rio de Janeiro last week, the first time he hasn't figured in the top three since August 2013.
With this win, he's projected to return to third in the world, again overtaking Britain's Andy Murray.
"I'm coming off a season that has not been easy - injuries, accidents," said Nadal, who had to cope with wrist trouble and an appendectomy in 2014.
"The beginning of this year has been a bit tricky after some time out, but little by little we have found positive feelings."
