Rafael Nadal clinched his fifth successive title at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters with a 6-3 2-6 6-1 victory over a battling Novak Djokovic.

The world number one looked in trouble at the start of the third set but dug deep under pressure before eventually coasting to victory.

Djokovic, who had never beaten Nadal in six previous meetings on clay, began well, securing the first break of serve in the opening set.

But the Spaniard's battling powers are legendary and he quickly responded before going on to take the set.

Djokovic has a good record on clay, reaching the semi-finals at least in every event he played last season and taking the title in Rome.

And the third seed responded impressively at the start of the second set, breaking Nadal's serve in the opening game after a brilliant rally, which he celebrated with a huge roar.

The defending champion had a chance to break back in the fourth game but Djokovic held firm and then went further ahead by capturing Nadal's serve again to make it 5-1.

He duly served out to level things up, firing down a fourth ace on set point.

Djokovic went into the decider with his tail up and had Nadal in all sorts of trouble in the opening game but could not force the break - one incredible pass saving the top seed.

Almost inevitably Nadal then took his first break point in the second game when a Djokovic shot hit the top of the net and bounced long.

Djokovic had his chances in the third game, too, the 21-year-old showing admirable belief when it appeared the match could slip away from him, and he was rewarded with a break at last.

However, all his hard work was undone in the next game as a series of unforced errors gave Nadal a 3-1 lead.

The Spaniard looked every inch a five-time champion as he served out the first love game of the match and Djokovic's challenge was extinguished when he was broken again before Nadal comfortably clinched victory.

Djokovic hailed the performance as one of his best but admitted he was found wanting at the key moments.

"I think I've played a very good match, actually one of the best I have played against him on this surface," said Djokovic.

"It's really unfortunate that in certain moments I didn't play the way I was supposed to play, with a little bit more patience.

"I went for too much. He used his strength and his experience playing in the big matches and just waited wisely for his chances, then he used them."

Djokovic highlighted Nadal's unwavering concentration as the key to his domination, particularly on clay.

"We are coming back again to the story of believing in yourself," added the Serbian.

"You just have to be focused every single point because you have a player on the other side of the net that doesn't really give you any points.

"I mean, you could see him (at) 5-1 in the third set, he played like it's 5-5. He really doesn't care about the result.

"He just wants to give his best every single point. That's why he's very unique and that's why he's the best now."

(reopens) Nadal was thrilled to have again got off to a flying start on his favourite surface but paid tribute to his opponent for a spirited display.

"(It is) always really important for me to start the clay season like this, for the confidence," the world number one said.

"(To) win another time here is more than a dream for me. (It) is unbelievable, a fifth title here in Monte Carlo. I never expect something like this.

"(Djokovic) is a very good player. On clay, too, he has very good results. I think top three or top four on clay. (When you) play against him (it) is tough. And today wasn't an exception."