Andy Murray stuns Rafael Nadal to win Madrid Masters title

Andy Murray produced a stunning display to win the biggest clay court title of his career and topple reigning champion Rafael Nadal in straight sets at the Madrid Masters.

Murray prevailed 6-3 6-2 to stun the nine-time French Open on his home turf to claim his first Masters title on his least favoured surface, where he remains unbeaten in 2015.

The British number one was aggressive from the outset and Nadal, who underwent surgery last year, had no answer to Murray who picks up his second successive title on clay after winning in Munich last week.

"One of the toughest things to do in tennis is to beat Rafa on clay so I am glad I was able to do that," the two-time grand slam winner said.

Though Novak Djokovic withdrew from the tournament, the victory lays down a significant marker ahead of the Rome Masters and the second major of the year at the French Open, which Murray will now enter as one of the contenders.

The 27-year-old is unbeaten both on clay this year and since getting married to long-term girlfriend Kim Sears in April and is playing some of the best tennis of his career going into one of the busiest periods of the season.

Meanwhile, the crushing defeat for Nadal represents a blow to his preparations for Roland Garros, where he hopes to win a 10th title of his career and raises questions over his form following an injury-ravaged career.

"It was a very important week for me and very successful week for me," the former world number one said. "I am looking forward to the week coming up in Rome and the French Open and am looking to do better."