May 15, 2006	Monday	Rabi-us-Sani 16, 1427

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ROME, May 14: Spanish sensation Rafael Nadal equalled the record of 53 straight clay-court victories as he saved two match points on his way to beating top seed Roger Federer 6-7 (0/7), 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7/5) to win the Rome Masters on Sunday.

Nadal's fourth straight victory over his world number one rival equalled the clay run of match success established by Argentine Guillermo Vilas in 1977.

It was Nadal's fifth victory over Federer in six meetings between the top two players in the world.

Nadal successfully defended his third clay title of the season after Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

“I'm very content, this was a fantastic win,” said Nadal, who saved two match points in the 12th game of the final set in a match which lasted five hours, six minutes.

“He's been the finalist at Monte Carlo, finalist at Rome and three times a Hamburg champion on clay. I think it will be easier for him to win Roland Garros than for me to win Wimbledon.”—AFP