By Chris Oddo | Wednesday April 9, 2014

 

Juan Monaco became only the fifth active player to record his 200th clay-court win on Wednesday, defeating Somdev Devvarman in straight sets.

Photo Source: AFP

Juan Monaco became just the fifth active player to earn his 200th clay-court victory on Wednesday at the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston, taking down Somdev Devvarman, 7-6(4), 6-2.

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Monaco, returning to the scene of his 2012 title in Houston where he beat John Isner in the final, has fond memories of the American red clay that the tournament is played on. “Every time I come here I feel something special,” Monaco told the ATP. “It's very nice to get this great record here.”

In 2012, Monaco used the title in Houston as a springboard for better things to come. He played solid ball all summer long and ended up peaking at No. 10 in the world. Since then, the Argentine has fallen back in the rankings 32 spots to No. 42 in the world, but the fan favorite is a dangerous player on clay, no matter who he is facing or what his ranking is.

“If you can see the guys who [achieve] this stat, it’s amazing,” Monaco told ATPWorldTour.com. “I was born playing on clay, so this is something really special for me. I didn’t expect that when I started my career, to win 200 matches on clay.”

Only Rafael Nadal (298), David Ferrer (267), Tommy Robredo (235) and Nicolas Almagro (234) have earned more victories on clay than Monaco.

Monaco, who turned 30 in late March, has had his progress slowed by a wrist injury that kept him out of action for three months last year. He will face American Donald Young in the second round at Houston.