Rafael Nadal captured his fifth title of the year by winning the Internationale BNL d'Italia and then claimed he could not be in better form with the French Open just three weeks away.

The world number one dethroned last year's champion Novak Djokovic of Serbia 7-6 (7/2) 6-2 to claim a record fourth Rome Masters crown.

"It's been an incredible week for me," said Nadal.

"Having won in Monte Carlo and then in Barcelona, I couldn't have asked for anything better.

"You think to yourself that it's impossible to repeat what I achieved last year but so far I've done it."

Since beating Djokovic in the Monte Carlo final two weeks ago, Nadal has shown no signs of weakness.

"I had one long match against Novak in Monte Carlo but after that, I didn't lose a set in any of my matches," he said.

The Spaniard claimed his 30th straight victory on clay since losing to Juan Carlos Ferrero in the second round of the Rome Masters last year.

He expects to increase that tally at the Madrid Masters later this month as he gears up for the start of the French Open on May 25.

The 22-year-old is taking nothing for granted, however.

"Every tournament is completely different," he said. "Right now I'm focused on Madrid as Roland Garros comes later.

"Anyway, regardless of the result at Roland Garros, it would still be a good season on clay for me.

"But in tennis, you never know what can happen. So the important thing is to keep on playing well because then I have my chances.

"To be playing in Madrid is special and I'm going to try my best to have a good result."

Djokovic, who will also compete in Madrid, paid tribute to Nadal.

"You always have to play something extra against Nadal, especially on this surface," he said. "He made me work from the first game on.

"He had a high percentage of first serves and moved very well, as only he does.

"I should have been more patient and made the right shots in the deciding moments.

"But Nadal handled the pressure better than me and that is why he is the best player in the world."

The Serbian leaves the Eternal City in good spirits having beaten world number two Roger Federer en route to the final.

"Overall, I'm really happy with the week in Rome," he said.

"I've been playing really well in the last three Masters series and I'm very happy with my form.

"Confidence is really important for any sport and right now I have a lot of confidence and I believe I can continue to be successful in my next tournaments."