Nadal beat the top-ranked Federer for the fifth consecutive time on clay, four of them in finals. The second-ranked Spaniard beat Federer last year in the Monte Carlo Masters, the Rome Masters and the French Open.

"Congratulations to Rafa," Federer said. "What he has achieved is fantastic."

Federer had won their previous two meetings on other surfaces, but missed chances to break Nadal on Sunday. In the eighth game of the first set, the 10-time Grand Slam champion had two break-point opportunities, but Nadal saved the first with a strong serve and the second when Federer's forehand went wide.

"I have to say it is an honor to be up against him here in Monte Carlo and to win for the third time," Nadal said.

Federer made 38 unforced errors — half on his forehand — and Nadal won on his second match point when Federer sent a backhand long.

"I will try again to beat him in Rome, Hamburg and here in Monte Carlo next year," Federer said.

Nadal, who won his 19th career title, overcame an awkward start to break Federer in the ninth game of the first set. After failing to convert two break points against Nadal, Federer trailed 40-0 in the ninth game. He saved one break point but then a long forehand gave Nadal a 5-4 lead, and he served out the set.