Novak Djokovic extended his victory streak to 34 matches when he stunned Rafael Nadal 7-5, 6-4 to win the Madrid Masters yesterday, handing the world number one Spaniard his first loss on clay in two years.

Nadal, the defending champion, was last beaten on the surface in the French Open fourth round by Robin Soderling in May, 2009, making it 37 matches without a defeat.

World number two Djokovic has now won three straight Masters 1000 trophies over Nadal after defeating the number one at Indian Wells and Miami in March and April respectively.

Yesterday’s win was also the Serb’s first over Nadal on clay after losing their nine previous meetings on the dirt.

His winning streak is made up of 32 matches in 2011 and his two Davis Cup victories in December.

Djokovic’s start is the best to a season since John McEnroe in 1984 when he went 42-0.

“I walked onto the court thinking I could win,” said Djokovic. “I’m very happy with the way I played. This court was fast and I took advantage.”

Djokovic had kind words for a distraught Nadal, who faces an immediate turnaround on court with the clay season continuing in Rome this week before the start of the French Open on May 22.

“It’s always a pleasure playing you – you are a great champion,” Djokovic said.