Rafael Nadal's mastery of Roger Federer on clay continued on Sunday with the Spaniard clinching the Monte Carlo Masters title with a straight-sets victory.

Federer, virtually unbeatable on every other surface, has lost his last five meetings with Nadal on clay and, although the Swiss had his chances, the world number two eventually prevailed 6-4 6-4.

Nadal has now won 67 matches on his favourite surface, a run which has seen him claim the last three Monte Carlo crowns and two successive French Open titles.

"Today's match was very close," Nadal said. "It's a surprise to win in two sets against the number one."

It was a tale of missed opportunities for Federer, who squandered two break points in the eighth game of the first set.

"I should have used my chances when I had them early on," Federer said.

"Unfortunately, it turned around with a few mistakes. Congratulations to Rafa. What he has achieved is fantastic."

Nadal survived the danger and then broke himself before serving it out to take the first set.

He broke again in the third game of the second and never looked back.

"Let's not forget he's an excellent player on clay," Federer added.

"He's born on this surface. It's his number one surface, and still I come so close - four finals in a row on clay. I feel like I'm in good shape."