Novak Djokovic did it again on Sunday, defeating world no.1 Rafael Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to win the ATP Miami Masters crown and remain unbeaten in 2011.
Djokovic has now won all 24 matches he has played this year, the best start to a season since Ivan Lendl began 1986 25-0.
The Serbian, ranked second in the world, has captured four titles, including the Australian Open, Dubai and, now, back-to-back elite Masters titles at Indian Wells and Miami, both with victories over Nadal in the finals.
“It’s the best four months in my life, but it’s only the start of the season,” said Djokovic, who stays behind Nadal in the rankings even though the Spaniard hasn’t won since Tokyo in October.
“It’s a bit early to talk about getting that top spot in the rankings,” Djokovic said.
“Rafa is definitely the best player in the world now. If I want to have the number one ranking, I need to play consistently well throughout the whole year.”
As in the championship match at Indian Wells a fortnight earlier, Djokovic surrendered the first set to Nadal.
But after a slugfest lasting more than three hours on a steamy stadium court, it was Djokovic who emerged the victor, blasting a forehand cross court for the victory on his third match-point.
Any fatigue he might have been feeling disappeared with the victory, as Djokovic jumped for joy and an exhausted Nadal headed to his courtside chair.
“What he’s doing is unbelievable,” Nadal said.
“First thing, he’s very good. Second thing, he’s playing with big confidence. The easiest thing to say: He’s a very good tennis player.”
On Sunday, Djokovic added a second Miami title to the one he captured in 2007. And he joined Roger Federer, Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras as the only players to win the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Miami – the three most important early-season events – in the same year.
Meanwhile, Djokovic’s victory has enabled him to gain valuable ground on Nadal in ATP rankings released yesterday, but American Andy Roddick slumped to his worst position since June 2002.
Djokovic now stands only 3,170 points off Nadal, the equivalent of a Grand Slam victory and Masters 1000 title.
Former number one Roddick slipped to 14th, while compatriot and Miami semi-finalist Mardy Fish is now installed as the top US tennis player at 11th.