Clay court specialist Rafael Nadal overcame the challenge of world number one Novak Djokovic to win the Rome Open title this afternoon.

Both players began the encounter positively, trading service games as the opening set reached two games apiece.

Then, with Djokovic serving, Spaniard Nadal claimed the first break to open up a 3-2 advantage, only to broken straight back by the Serb to level up proceedings once again.

Just as the set looked to be heading for a breaker with Djokovic serving at 6-5 down, Nadal claimed another decisive break of serve to take the first set 7-5.

Nadal broke again at the first time of asking in the second set as he went about winning five games in succession.

Djokovic responded by holding his next three service games, while also forcing numerous opportunities to break back.

However, he was unable to force the elusive break, as Nadal snatched another of Djokovic's serves courtesy of a double fault to win the trophy 7-5 6-3.