Nadal heads to Rome determined to stretch clay success

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PARIS (AFP) - Rafael Nadal will need to maintain maximum concentration as he heads into a title defence in Rome from Monday after adding the Barcelona Open to last week's Monte Carlo title.

The world number two lost only his first set on the dirt this season as he won a fourth consecutive Barcelona Open 6-1, 4-6, 6-1 over Spanish compatriot David Ferrer.

Nadal steamed through the first set in 31 minutes, but went down an early break in the second as noted battler Ferrer rallied to square the sets at one apiece.

But Nadal's clay class shone through in the end with a stirring final set sweep as Ferrer saved a desperation match point in the penultimate game before going down to defeat in two hour 14 minutes.

"The first set I played almost perfect, but he was very strong in the second set," said Nadal after claiming a 25th ATP title.

"I'm pleased to have won in Barcelona again."

The Spaniard is halfway through an improbable title defence repeat from 2007, when he claimed victories at Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome and Paris.

Rome is next on his plate with rival Roger Federer the top seed.

"The season is very tough though it is going well," said the Spaniard. "I need to try and rest a much as possible and not over-train."

He has won 103 of his last 104 clay matches.

Nadal played some of his matches in Barcelona with his left shoulder taped in a precaution.

And he will be keen to keep that potential weak point from doing his game any damage.

"I've played a lot of matches, it's always a job to take care of the shoulder."

Nadal improved his record at the Real club to 21-1, his lone loss coming in 2003. The victory came in his third all-Spanish final at the event, after beating Juan Carlos Ferrero and Tommy Robredo in a pair of previous editions.

Nadal widened his margin atop the ATP with a leading 32 match victories and two titles.

The Spanish powerhouse improved to 6-3 over Ferrer, whom he he he beat last week in Monte Carlo.