Nadal wins 67th straight match for third Monte Carlo title

By Bill Scott Apr 22, 2007, 15:40 GMT

Rafael Nadal of Spain EPA/ASM

Monte Carlo - Rafael Nadal won the Monte Carlo Masters for the third straight year on Sunday as he defeated Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4, extending a win streak to 67 matches.

The Spanish world number 1 fought past as Federer saved two match points in the one-hour, 35-minute match.

Nadal now stands 7-3 over his rival, with a 5-0 record on clay in that series.

'I'm so happy to win the title for a third straight year,' said Nadal, untouchable on clay since last losing two years ago in Valencia. 'It's unbelievable to do this.'

Federer lost his first sets of the week as he went down while Nadal reinforced his reputation as king of clay.

Nadal also beat Federer for the title a year ago and overcame Guillermo Coria in 2005.

'Winning this title for three straight years is not easy, but he's done it,' said the resigned Swiss. 'It's no surprise that Rafa won again, he's had another great week here on the clay.'

Federer started out hopefully but Nadal saved all three break points he faced in the first set while breaking the world number 1 for 5-4 on a Federer forehand error.

That success opened the floodgates, with the Spaniard claiming the opening set in 47 minutes.

In the second, Nadal went up the early break for 2-1 and held off the Swiss as he tried to close in.

Federer held for 3-4 after saving three break points and salvaged match points in the last two games.

But Nadal had the final word, sinking on his knees into the clay with joy as a Swiss return landed long to end the afternoon.

Federer and coach Tony Roche will work next week on putting together more pieces of the Nadal puzzle.

'This match was a step,' said the Swiss. 'I got even more information on Nadal and how he plays on clay. We will use that next week when we work.' Federer was alarmed by his 38 unforced errors and forehand faults on what is normally his strongest shot. 'I can't explain what happened, but there were just too many errors.'

Nadal, set to defend the Barcelona title next week, had 19 winners and 19 unforced errors and converted on two of his eight break points.