Nadal was in vintage form in his opening match as he eased past Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1 6-1.
The world No 2 is 69-4 in Monte Carlo with 11 titles to his name and he loves playing at the event.
“When you come back to a place, the first thing that the history of this place is amazing,” he said. “All the great champions have been playing here. A lot of them winning. For me is just an honour to play this event.
“For me, personally, even if this tournament is very special for everybody, probably for me even a little bit more.
“I always loved this event. Of course, 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.”
RAFAEL NADAL VS GRIGOR DIMITROV LIVE
FIRST SET
*Nadal 4-3 Dimitrov
Good play from Dimitrov to push Nadal to deuce. The wind is playing havoc as the red dirt swirls around.
Nadal goes long with forehand and it’s break point Dimitrov. It’s saved by Nadal as he forces the error from Dimitrov.
Double fault Nadal, break point. And Nadal goes long with a forehand to drop serve. Big shock.
Nadal 4-2 Dimitrov*
Better from Dimitrov as this time he gets Nadal moving from side. But he is having to play very well just to keep up with Nadal.
*Nadal 4-1 Dimitrov
Frustration for Dimitrov as the wind picks up and sends a forehand flying out.
Brilliant Nadal backhand completes catches out Dimitrov and he consolidates the break.
Nadal 3-1 Dimitrov*
Problems again for Dimitrov on serve as he slips to 0-30 and double faults to give Nadal two break points.
He saves the first. But on the second he goes wide with a backhand down the line and it is a break for Nadal.
*Nadal 2-1 Dimitrov
Chance for Dimitrov as he gets to 0-30. But Nadal sees out the danger to move 40-30 ahead.
And the world No 2 maintains his lead.
Nadal 1-1 Dimitrov*
A double fault from Dimitrov hands Nadal two break points. He saves the first with a forehand down the line. Then the second with another forehand winner.
And the Bulgarian comes through when Nadal nets a simple volley. Important hold for Dimitrov.
*Nadal 1-0 Dimitrov
Ominous start for Dimitrov as he is dragged all over the court by Nadal.
The Spaniard holds to love.
13:50: The players are out on court and going through their warm up.
13:30: It is all over on Court Rainier with Djokovic coming through 6-3 6-1 and looking in much better form. Nadal and Dimitrov are on next…
13:10: Djokovic won the first set over Fritz 6-3 and is a break up early in the second set.
13:00: Hello and welcome to coverage of Rafael Nadal’s third round match at the Monte Carlo Masters against Grigor Dimitrov.
This match will follow Novak Djokovic’s clash with Taylor Fritz.