Rafael Nadal clinched a 6-3 2-6 6-1 victory in a pulsating final with Novak Djokovic at the Monte Carlo MastersIt was Nadal"s fifth consecutive win in Monaco and, at just 22; the Spaniard has now equalled Roger Federer's mark of 14 tournament wins in the Masters Series.

A first set which swung in favour of both players during its course, finally went the Spaniard's way after he won four games in a row to take it 6-3, with his opponent struggling with a back problem.

But after receiving physio treatment, Djokovic looked reinvigorated in the second set as he put Nadal's serve under relentless pressure, levelling the match by winning it 6-2. A tense final set ensued, with Nadal racing to a 2-0 lead and, despite incessant battling from his Djokovic, the Spaniard closed the match out 6-1.

The intensity of the opening game of the match set the tone for what was to follow, with an expectant atmosphere around Centre Court in Monaco. A stunning cross-court pass by Nadal gave him a stunning break of serve right from the outset - Djokovic did little wrong - with the Spaniard seizing the initiative with ruthless intent.

Djokovic was undeterred and broke straight back to level, with the Serb showing real conviction in taking Nadal to deuce with a powerful cross-court forehand, then clinching the game by forcing an error from his opponent with dogged persistence.

The crowds were willing this match to be a classic, with every point dominated by Djokovic given their seal of approval, and for long periods of play, it looked like it could be the case. Djokovic broke serve again to seize the initiative, but Nadal came roaring back, breaking the Serb to love, bludgeoning returns deep onto his opponent's baseline.

In one enthralling point, Nadal scrambled to keep a drop shot in play, before scampering back to smash the subsequent lob, then firing a winner down the line to confound his opponent.

Nadal levelled at 3-3 with a blistering backhand cross-court winner which left Djokovic applauding; dumbfounded, as the standard of tennis soared.

The world number one then slammed a backhand winner, cross-court past Djokovic, as yet another game went to deuce; with a wide backhand from the Serb giving the Spaniard the advantage.

Throughout the latter part of the first set, Djokovic was clutching his lower back, clearly in pain, and he received treatment for the problem at the change of ends as Nadal clinched the set 6-3, with the Serb capitulating under pressure on his serve.

But Nadal was given a sterner test in the second set, with Djokovic dragging his opponent out-wide before striking a forehand down the line to hold in the first game.

Djokovic established a 4-1 lead with his movement noticeably improved from the first set, minimising his unforced errors, and pounding forehands cross-court to Nadal's backhand at every opportunity.

Djokovic punched the air in delight as he held serve at 5-1, with a crunching forehand out wide to Nadal's forehand, then a half-volley short in the deuce court left him to serve out and set up an intriguing third set.

It started at a frantic pace, with sections of the crowd again rising to their feet as an epic rally culminated in Nadal stretching full-length to reach a drop shot from Djokovic and save a break point.

Nadal won the 13-minute game through a dogged defence, which effectively set the tone for the rest of the set.

Djokovic was broken in the second game with Nadal beginning to exert his authority, but the Serb hit back on the world number one's serve a game later. Nadal did not dwell on the set-back however, and another break on his opponent's serve saw him pull away, with unflinching aggression from the back of the court.

Djokovic became increasingly despondent as the set wore on, and hung his head in dismay when his serve was broken again for 5-1, leaving Nadal to serve out for the match and the tournament.

The victory represents the perfect start to the clay-court season for Nadal, while Djokovic will take heart from a gutsy display and a fine second-set performance.

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