ROME, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Defending champion Rafael Nadal set up a dream final against Roger Federer at the Rome Masters when he crushed Gael Monfils 6-2, 6-2 on Saturday.

Switzerland's Roger Federer plays a shot to David Nalbandian of Argentina during semi-final action at the Rome Masters tournament in Rome May 13, 2006. Federer won 6-3 3-6 7-6. (Xinhua/Reuters photo)

    If Nadal beats the world number one, who outlasted David Nalbandian in three sets in the earlier semi-final, in Sunday's final he will equal Guillermo Vilas's all-time record of 53 consecutive wins on clay, set in 1977.

    The final gives the world's top two players a chance to resume their intense rivalry in which Spaniard Nadal holds the upper hand after winning the last three contests including the final of the Monte Carlo Masters claycourt event last month.

    "It's always special when the top two play each other. It certainly was in Monte Carlo," said Federer, whose best result in five previous visits to the Italian capital was runner-up to Felix Mantilla in 2003.

    "We both look forward to it. It's good for us and good for the game, especially on clay."

    Nadal said Federer remained the favorite despite his own superb winning streak.

    "The favourite is always the number one," said the Spaniard, who last lost on clay to Igor Andreev in Valencia 13 months ago.

    While Nadal had few problems taming Frenchman Monfils, Federer was forced to come from a break down in the deciding set of his match against fourth seed Nalbandian before winning 6-3, 3-6, 7-6.

    Argentina's Nalbandian promised to be a tough opponent, having beaten Federer six times in their previous 10 meetings including the season-ending Masters Cup final last year.

    The first four games all went against serve. The Swiss broke inthe eighth game and then held serve to take the first set.

    But Federer hit a series of unforced errors to allow Nalbandian to go 3-1 up in the second set and serve out to level the match.

    Federer started the decider in the worst possible way, losing his serve and flinging down his racket in disgust at the changeover.

    He clawed back in the fourth game, which he snatched on his third break point when Nalbandian sent a forehand over the baseline.

    Another break put Federer 4-2 up. He had three points to take a 5-2 lead but Nalbandian rallied to break back and level.

    In the tiebreak, a netted backhand by Nalbandian and a winning service return by Federer gave the Swiss two match points. He converted the second when Nalbandian put a forehand long. Enditem