Nadal targets Borg and Vilas' unbeaten feat

MONTE CARLO: Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal has targetted the long-standing, unbeaten clay-court records of Guillermo Vilas and Bjorn Borg as he builds up to the defence of his French Open crown.

Nadal retained his Monte Carlo Masters title on Sunday with a 6-2 6-7 (2) 6-3 7-6 (5) victory over Roger Federer, his fourth win over the world number one in five meetings. It was also his 42nd successive win on clay and the teenage left-hander now stands third on the all-time list behind Guillermo Vilas (53) and Bjorn Borg (46).

"The record of Borg and Vilas? I have thought about it," said Nadal. "It's already a great feeling to be third on the list. To get past Borg, I will have to reach the final in Barcelona next week. It won't be easy. I could lose any day. But if I am 100 percent (fit) I know I have a great chance of winning."

Sunday's success marked Federer's second defeat this season — both at the hands of the teenage Spaniard who also beat the world number one in last month's Dubai final."It's special to begin the clay season like this. Beating Roger in the final is even more special, it's great," said Nadal.

The reigning Roland Garros champion, the world number two, also beat his rival for the second time on clay after ousting the Swiss star in the French Open semi-final last year. But even in defeat — and with an unaccustomed 78 unforced errors — Federer analysed the loss with calm precision. "I have to adjust a lot to play against him," said the top seed, now with a 33-2 win-loss record in 2006. "I have to make split-second decisions since the balls are coming from a lefty. I played better against him than the last time (at Roland Garros). The more I play him, the easier it will get for me. I need experience to figure out his game."

Federer shrugged off his losing record against the talented 19-year-old, winner of eight clay crowns in 2005. "I've had three losses in a row against him — of course I wish I could have won them."