Stanislas Wawrinka claimed a first Masters 1000 title and denied Roger Federer a maiden victory at the Monte Carlo Masters with a three set win in the principality.

Wawrinka prevailed 4-6 7-6 6-2 to enhance his status as the Swiss No.1 and shock the 17-time grand slam champion.

Federer led by a set and 3-2 before the rain forced a break, which worked to Wawrinka's advantage as he won the resulting tie-breaker before storming to a three-set victory.

The success adds to Wawrinka's first major title won at the Australian Open and lays down a marker ahead of the remainder of the clay court season.

Injury to Novak Djokovic and the uncertain form of Rafael Nadal means Wawrinka has the chance to take a grip of the coming clay court campaign which ends with the French Open starting in May.