Nadal breaks claycourt record

Nadal was embraced by Vilas on centre court after the winand the Argentine presented the second seed with a trophy to commemorate his record.

The Spaniard, whose last defeat on clay was at the hands of Russian Igor Andreev in Valencia in April 2005, began as if he was in a hurry, making light of the breezy conditions.

He claimed the opening set in 28 minutes after two breaks of serve but Soderling, the world No. 50, took advantage of a poor drop shot from Nadal to break for 4-2 in the second.

Nadal broke back immediately and again to lead 5-4 but Soderling levelled at 5-5. Nadal then broke for a third successive time before serving out for a two sets to love lead.

Another break in the first game of the third set seemed to deflate Soderling and Nadal clinched victory when the Swede netted a forehand after two hours, eight minutes.

Nadal, who has won three titles on clay this year and four in total in 2006, is looking to become the first man to defend his title since Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten won his third French Open crown in 2001.

Chris Evert holds the overall record for consecutive wins on clay in the professional era, having compiled 125 victories between 1973 and 1979.