Spain's Rafael Nadal (R) and Swiss Roger Federer (L) celebrate with their trophies after thier final match of the Madrid Masters at the Caja Magic sports complex in Madrid, on May 16, 2010. Rafael Nadal beat Roger Federer 6-4, 7-6 in the final of the Madrid Open on Sunday. [Xinhua Photo]

Rafael Nadal beat Roger Federer 6-4, 7-6 in the final of the Madrid Open on Sunday.

As the Spanish number two seed for the event, Nadal beat the top ranked player in the world in a tight match in front of a packed house of fans who were all cheering the Spaniard to victory.

Injuries had meant that the pair had not gone head to head in over a year and from the start it was clear he had something to prove. As befitting a match between the best two players in the world, the first set was closely fought with both breaking their rival's serve early in the match.

Nadal again broke Federer in the seventh game and that was to be decisive, although Federer wasted two chances to break back in the tenth game. Nadal saved them both and went on to win the game and the set.

The second set was an even closer affair, both players began with service breaks again. Ndal broke Federer again in the fifth game, but this time Federer was able to level matters in the eighth game.

Both players then held out until the tie break, where Nadal was the stronger player to win the match 6-4, 7-5.

In the women's final the French player Avarane Rezai, ranked 24 in the world, pulled off a shock win in 6-2, 7-5 against Venus Williams.

Rafael Nadal sprays sparkling wine during the podium ceremony Madrid Open tennis tournament final against Roger Federer in Madrid, on Sunday, May 16, 2010. [Xinhua Photo]