Rafael Nadal has recovered is back to winning ways with two straight clay victories against World No.1 Novak Djokovic, who beat him in six finals in 2011 on three surfaces. Nadal has won 2012 clay court titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome with his only loss coming in Madrid where he went down to compatriot Fernando Verdasco. A month after stopping the Serb in Monte Carlo, Nadal and his team travel to Roland Garros to defend that title with the player in top form.

“ We will be in Roland Garros but now we are in Rome, and it's a happy day to be here with the title another time,” said Nadal. He further added, “ Rome is historical and it is for me very important to keep playing, to keep winning, and I did today. This is a personal satisfaction.”

Nadal, 16-1 on clay this season after winning his 49th title, said beating his rival was important for his confidence. “Winning is important. When you lose, you play with doubts," he commented. “This was an important match. I will put this trophy in my bedroom. It is a dream of confidence I am playing well. This comes when I play at the right level - hopefully I'll keep playing like this.”

Nadal recaptured the World No.2 position from Roger Federer after winning the Rome Masters, but says he does not care about the rankings. “It is better two than three and three is better than four. But after eight years being in the top two, it is no big difference. It's normal for the rankings to change around Roland Garros or Wimbledon. I'm a few points from Roger. I'm happy about everything.”