Ferrero masters Moya in Monte Carlo

Ferrero is now favourite for the French Open

Juan Carlos Ferrero beat Carlos Moya
7-5 6-3 6-4

 Photo Gallery: See the match in pictures

Juan Carlos Ferrero claimed his first Monte Carlo Masters title by beating fellow Spaniard Carlos Moya in straight sets, and now looks set to dominate the clay-court season.

With Gustavo Kuerten out of the game through injury, the 'Mosquito' is undoubtedly the leading clay-court player on the tour.

"It's a very significant victory for me. I'm very happy with my form on the basis of this week," said Ferrero after his win.

Moya won the title in Monte Carlo in 1998, and went on to claim the French Open later that year.

Moya seemed tired after a tough week

Ferrero will hope that he can now go on to repeat that feat.

Moya perhaps had the excuse that he had had the more tiring schedule, and at times his movement seemed laboured.

He had beaten Lleyton Hewitt, Alex Corretja, Marat Safin and Tim Henman, late on Saturday night in a long three setter, on his way to the final.

His tiredness did not show for the majority of the first set as Moya dominated proceedings, but Ferrero hung in and forced his compatriot to serve to stay in the set at 5-6.

'A great week'

And a nervy Moya gave Ferrero an opening which he gladly took to pinch the set 7-5.

That was the turning point, and a run of 12 straight points early on gave Ferrero a stranglehold on the second set.

He confidently served it out 6-3 for a two-set lead.

And when he broke Moya in the first game of the third set, the writing was on the wall.

If Kuerten plays Mallorca, Rome and Hamburg he'll definitely be a favourite for Roland Garros

Juan Carlos Ferrero

Moya gave himself some hope by breaking straight back, and then enjoyed his best period in the game.

But Ferrero took a match-clinching break at 4-4 in the third, and served out for a convincing win.

Moya was positive in defeat: "I have had a great week - I feel my game is back to the level where it was three years ago.

"Monaco in 1998 was a turning point in my career and I think I still have time to get back into the top five."

Kuerten remains the king on clay, but Ferrero is undoubtedly the prince.

When Kuerten is back Ferrero will be aiming to steal that crown.

"It's good for tennis he's on the way back," said Ferrero of his rival.

"If he plays Mallorca, Rome and Hamburg he'll definitely be a favourite for Roland Garros," he added.

But on this form Ferrero wil take some beating.