Rafael Nadal posted a cheery Facebook message today (thanks, Michelle!) Does this sound like a man who’s having problems with his knees?

Rafael Nadal: At home resting, calm and preparing the Monte Carlo tournament. I am arriving there on Friday already. Too bad in Miami since I was playing great. I take the opportunity to thanks again the support over there (and at Indian Wells). I am posting a picture of the dinner we took at the restaurant the night after I lost and before I traveled back to Spain.

Here’s the photo, for the Facebook impaired:

That’s a lot of cute Spanish men at one table. Hola, boys! Glad to see Rafa enjoying a little Rioja, too

So it’s onto Monte-Carlo, one of Nadal’s (and my) favorite stops on the ATP tour. Play begins this Saturday, April 10. Second round action (for guys with byes) starts on Wednesday. This is a pretty big deal event for Rafa – he’s won it a record five times in a row. After some near misses on the American hard courts this spring, we have to assume he’ll be as motivated as ever to capture his sixth title at the Monte-Carlo Country Club. This year, Rafa will be entering the tournament as the No. 2 seed, behind last year’s runner up, Novak Djokovic. Andy Murray has apparently requested a wild card into the tournament and Juan Martin Del Potro, out since the Australian Open with a wrist injury, will be making his return to tour (hopefully!) Roger Federer is still sitting it out, as far as we know.

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To review recent history in the Principality:

2009: Nadal def. Djokovic 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 in the MC final
2008: Nadal def. Federer 7-5, 7-5 in the MC final
2007: Nadal def Federer 6-4, 6-4 in the MC final
2006: Nadal def. Federer 6-2, 6-7(2), 6-3, 7-6(5) in the MC final
2005: Nadal def Coria 6-3, 6-1, 0-6, 7-5 in the MC final

Yeah, that’s impressive.

And now for a few of my personal highlights from Monte Carlo!

Newlywed Mirka shows off her bling last year:

Uhhhh. . .

Roger shows off his sexy, ring-free hand at a Rolex party:

Yes, there is a closeup, perverts:

(Roger lost to Stan Wawrinka in the third round. Payback for not inviting Stan to the wedding, I’m thinking.)

And because Rolex sponsors the tournament, photographers can snap all these great “crown” shots:

A few more favorite things from Monte Carlo:

“Be quiet! Okay?”

The Monte Carlo players’ party is a private affair and includes a goofy player talent show of sorts. Leave it to Nole to bring the house down:

Ha!

You don’t even need the players to fall in love with this tournament:

Ah, to be sipping champagne and wearing Chanel at the Monte-Carlo Country Club! I know it’s completely out of my league, but a gal can dream can’t she? I’m not even asking for one of those yachts equipped with a helipad – I’ll just take a M.C.C.C. membership card, okay?

Click here for the tournament website.