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Nadal allowed Ferrer just 14 points in a one-sided first set. However, last year's Masters Cup finalist got back on track in the second, hammering his opponent with forehand winners to lead 3-0, 40-15.

A grinning Nadal then fought back and pulled two breaks back, levelling at 5-5 after Ferrer squandered three set points.

He wasted two more break points, leaving the three-times French Open champion to wrap it up with a superb passing shot on Ferrer's serve.

Nadal has yet to lose a set in Monte Carlo since the 2006 final against Roger Federer, who is still on track to meet Nadal in the final after arguably playing his best match of the season on clay and showing his credentials for an elusive French Open crown in beating David Nalbandian 5-7 6-2 6-2.