Rafael Nadal of Spain talks to Roger Federer of Switzerland after their final match during the Mubadala World Tennis Championship at the International Tennis Complex in Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, January 1, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

ABU DHABI - World No. 1 Rafael Nadal of Spain beat Roger Federer of Switzerland in straight sets at Abu Dhabi exhibition final to lift his first trophy of the year 2011 on Saturday.

The match between the world top two remained close as the Spaniard claimed the two sets both after tiebreakers, wining the match 7-6(4), 7-6(3).

"Rafael and myself must have played so many times and so many times it has come down to a few shots here and there. He is an amazing shot-maker. Me as well, but today he got the better of me, " said Federer after the match.

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

In the third place match playoff, Swede Robin Soderling beat Czech Tomas Berdych 6-4, 7-6 (3).