Rome: Rafael Nadal became the first tennis player to win six Rome Masters titles after defeating World No.1 Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-3 in a rain-affected final here Monday.

The convincing win for the Spaniard comes after last year's final here when the Serbian got the better of him.

The win will also help Nadal get back the second place in the rankings from Roger Federer.

It was also Nadal's third triumph on clay court this season after winning in Monte Carlo and Barcelona. His only loss came in Madrid earlier in the month when he lost to compatriot Fernando Verdasco.

The result here could not have come at a better time for Nadal ahead of the French Open starting Sunday. He is defending champion at Roland Garros and has won the coveted crown for six times.  (IANS)