Rafael Nadal battles past Dominic Thiem to claim fifth Madrid Open title

The Spaniard has now won three straight titles, after his Barcelona Open and Monte Carlo Masters victories

Rafa Nadal with his trophy after victory on Sunday afternoon (Getty)

Rafael Nadal defeated Dominic Thiem 7-6 (8), 6-4 Sunday in the Madrid Open final to win his third straight title and continue his good form heading into the French Open.

Nadal withstood a tough challenge from the ninth-ranked Thiem, converting on his fourth match point to earn his 15th straight victory on clay and tie Novak Djokovic's record of 30 career titles in Masters 1000 events.

The triumph at his home tournament gave Nadal his 72nd career title, and 52nd on clay.

Nadal collapses to the floor after securing victory (Getty ) (Getty)

It was Nadal's second straight win against the 23-year-old Austrian, coming two weeks after the Barcelona Open final, when the fifth-ranked Spaniard cruised to victory in straight sets.

Nadal also won in Monte Carlo last month.

AP