WATCH: Nadal's most memorable Monte Carlo moments

From beginning to end at the Monte Carlo ATP Masters 1000, Rafael Nadal was the defining story as he won an Open-era record 10th title at an ATP tournament. He finished his masterpiece with a 6-1, 6-3 victory over fellow left-handed Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas, but the week produced other more memorable anecdotes for the King of Clay.

1

In what would turn out to be his only three-set test, Nadal outlasted Kyle Edmund with a comical moment late in the third set. A  pigeon persisted on getting a bird’s-eye view of the action while the ball boy gingerly tried to direct it away.

Nadal was itching to get on with his serving, no doubt aware that it was a minute past a typical limit for a time violation. He checked behind him a couple times at the perched bird, like a pitcher holding a runner on first base before letting his serve take flight.

From there, Nadal soared to victory.

2

Nadal snuffed out the anticipation of his third-round clash against Alexander Zverev faster than his opponent could blow out the candles for his 20th birthday. The 30-year-old Spaniard gifted the Next Gen star with plenty of lessons including a fabled up-the-line forehand.

3

The highlight of Nadal’s quarterfinal win over Diego Schwartzman was a vintage retrieval to his ad corner. He nearly ran into the playing clock to time a winner that would all but defy the laws of physics.

4

The draw produced many upsets, including David Goffin’s breakthrough win over Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals.

A day later, it was Goffin’s patience and resolve that unraveled after losing a controversial point when the chair umpire reviewed the wrong mark.

The incident received a ton of attention (mostly unwanted):

Nadal roared ahead to the final and Goffin did not shake the umpire’s hand after the match. But he harbored no ill will towards Nadal.

"Rafa has nothing to do with this. He knows his forehand was heavy and long and deep. But he was on the other side of the court. He couldn't do anything about it,"Goffin said. "Rafa is one of the most fair players on the tour. He was just playing his match. I have nothing against him."

5

The final was more of a coronation than a competition, with Nadal playing well to both corners before backhanding a winner. TV commentator Rob Koenig delivered the “phenomeNadal” call.

History is being rewritten with more of the Spanish legend’s records on clay. It was 29th ATP Masters 1000 win, moving one behind Djokovic’s leading figure, and it was his 50th clay title, finally passing Guillermo Vilas.

The Nadal clay-court tour continues in Barcelona, Madrid and Roland Garros.