MONACO — Rafael Nadal's title drought is over.

Nadal won his first tournament in nearly a year yesterday, defeating Fernando Verdasco, 6-0, 6-1, in an all-Spanish final at the Monte Carlo Masters.

The second-seeded Nadal overpowered Verdasco with a stunning display of attacking clay-court tennis to earn his sixth straight victory at Monte Carlo, but his first title since the Rome Masters in May 2009.

"Last year I didn't play well but won; this year the level is completely different," Nadal said. "I have been playing well since the start of the season."

Nadal, 23, is tied with top-ranked Roger Federer with 16 Masters titles, one behind Andre Agassi's record.

Nadal sealed the win on his first match point with a forehand pass and fell to the ground, rolling on his back as he savored his victory.

FAMILY CIRCLE CUP

STOSUR CLAIMS TITLE

Samantha Stosur earned her first title on clay, overwhelming Vera Zvonareva, 6-0, 6-3, to win the Family Circle Cup at Charleston, S.C.

The 26-year-old Australian captured her second career title yesterday after a victory last year at Osaka.

The 11th-ranked Stosur lost only five points in overpowering her Russian opponent in the first set. She then went up 3-0 in the second, prompting a frustrated Zvonareva to smash her racket into the green clay three times after a double-fault.

The 22nd-ranked Russian went on to hold serve that game and got to 4-3 when she broke Stosur for the only time in the match.

But Stosur broke back in the next game and then held serve at love to win the match.