PARIS (Reuters) - Rafael Nadal rubber-stamped his status as the world's best claycourter by winning the French Open title on Sunday to once again ruin Roger Federer's bid to claim the only grand slam missing from his collection.

By bringing the world number one to his knees with a 6-3 4-6 6-3 6-4 exhibition, Nadal followed Bjorn Borg to become only the second man in 93 years to clinch a hat-trick of trophies at Roland Garros.

Just as he did 12 months ago, the irrepressible Spaniard sabotaged Federer's valiant bid to join American Don Budge and Australian Rod Laver as the only men to hold all four grand slams at the same time.

It is a feat that has not been repeated for 38 years.

Federer's search for the elusive claycourt major he craves will have to go on the backburner for at least another year thanks to a ragged performance in the final.

After committing 60 unforced errors and converting only one of 17 break points during a duel lasting three hours 10 minutes, it came as little surprise when the Swiss handed victory to Nadal by slamming a forehand long on the first match point.