Djokovic and Nadal final starts after rain delay

MONTE CARLO, Monaco—The start of the Monte Carlo Masters final between world number one Novak Djokovic and defending champion Rafael Nadal got underway some 45 minutes late on Sunday.

The match had been held up because of rain which fell just prior to the two players warming up and got heavier forcing the duo to flee the court for the sanctuary of the dressing room.

Nadal is bidding for his ninth successive title in the event while Serbian Djokovic has been beaten by the Spaniard here twice in the final in 2009 and 2012.