Nadal beats Djokovic for fifth Monte Carlo title

Rafael Nadal beat Novak Djokovic 6-3 2-6 6-1 in the Monte Carlo Masters final yesterday to become the first man to win the claycourt tournament five times in succession.

The Spanish world number one struggled with his serve in the beginning but recovered from 3-1 down to win five games in a row and clinch the opening set.

Djokovic had his back massaged before the start of the second set but the inconvenience did not prevent him from pocketing the first two games, then opening a 5-1 lead.

The third-seeded Serb levelled the match with an ace but it turned Nadal's way again after a 14-minute tussle in the first game of the deciding set.

The four-times French Open champion saved three break points before holding serve and breaking his opponent, who found just enough strength to break back for 2-1.

But it got too much for Djokovic, who lost the next four games as Nadal wrapped up the win when the Serb netted a backhand.

Nadal, 22, improved his personal record against Djokovic to 12-4, but the Serb showed the colossus could be beaten when he managed to win the second set, the first Nadal has dropped in the principality since the 2006 final.

"First of all, congratulations to Novak anyway. A fifth victory here is a dream coming true. Thank you to everybody and see you next year," Nadal said in his post-match speech.

"Congratulations to Rafa and his team. You guys are unbelievable, well done again," said Djokovic, who has lost his seven matches on clay against Nadal.