Novak Djokovic is braced for "the most important period" of his season after making yet more history with a third Masters triumph of 2015.
The Serb's 7-5 4-6 6-3 victory over Tomas Berdych in Monte Carlo ensured he became the first man to win the opening three Masters tournaments of the season.
His sights are now set on securing a career grand slam with a maiden victory at the French Open, which begins next month.
"In the end, I'm sitting here with this trophy that is very special to me, of course," said the world number one, who lost in the final to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros last year.
"This is what matters. Sometimes winning ugly is necessary. It's been a remarkable start of the season for me.
"The fact that now I won three Masters in a row, that nobody ever has done that, that has given me, even this week, more motivation.
"I think the most important period of the year is coming up right now.
"Obviously Roland Garros and Wimbledon are the priority. That's where I want to perform my best, but we'll take it step by step and see how far I can go."
Djokovic now counts 23 Masters crowns among his honours, drawing him level with Roger Federer, but Nadal still leads the way on 27.