Nadal routs Monaco to give Spain the lead

Rafael Nadal has given Spain a 1-0 lead over Argentina in the Davis Cup final after easily beating Juan Monaco 6-1, 6-1, 6-2.

Nadal eased to victory on his favored clay surface at Olympic Stadium, breaking his Argentine opponent seven times.

Monaco held his first service game but Nadal took control by winning the next seven games. The six-time French Open champion dominated many of the long rallies, which often ended with Nadal hitting a winner or Monaco making an error.

Nadal improved to 19-1 in singles play and 12-0 on clay.

Four-time champion Spain looks to take command of the best-of-five tie late Friday when David Ferrer faces Juan Martin del Potro in the second singles rubber.