Nadal beats Federer in an exhibition final at Abu Dhabi

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer play their best tennis against each other even in an exhibition final at Abu Dhabi

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer play their best tennis against each other even in an exhibition final at Abu Dhabi

Spain's Rafael Nadal plays a backhand shot against Roger Federer of Switzerland in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship final in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Nadal won 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3). PIC/AFP

World number one Rafael Nadal claimed his first title of the year when he battled past Swiss ace Roger Federer to win the Mubadala world tennis championship exhibition tournament here on Saturday.

The Spaniard needed two tie-breaks before coming through 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3) against world number two Federer.

The rivalry between the two tennis icons is set to continue next week when they compete in the Qatar Open.

Swede Robin Soderling won his third-place playoff against Czech Tomas Berdych 6-4, 7-6 (7/3).

Nadal and Federer will now head to Doha to resume their rivalry. They will be joined by Novak Djokovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.