The 11-time winner Rafael Nadal kicked off his title defense campaign by taming fellow Spanish Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-1 at the ATP Monte-Carlo Masters on Wednesday.

It was the 69th victory in 73 matches for Nadal, who extended his winning streak to 16 matches at the Monte-Carlo Masters. The last man to defeat him in this competition was Novak Djokovic in the 2015 semifinals.

"Personally, even if this tournament is very special for everybody, probably for me even a little bit more. After all the things that happened here to me, every time that I have the chance to be back here is great feelings and just trying to enjoy every one," said Nadal.

In a duel between talented players, Alexander Zverev raced past Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-1, 6-4.

The world No. 3, who reached the semifinals last year, converted six of seven break points to book his place in the third round. Zverev has now collected seven wins from 10 matches at the tournament.

The German promising star was joined by other seeded players such as Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas in round of 16.

However, it was not a day for No. 5 seed Kei Nishikori of Japan, as he lost to Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-5, 6-4. 

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