With the way Novak Djokovic is playing, men’s tennis may well have a new king. Not bad for a guy some call the Joker.
2011 Sony Ericsson Open Results: Novak Djokovic Beats Rafael Nadal, Extends Winning Streak
Djokovic topped Rafael Nadal in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), and did it by playing Nadal’s game better than even Nadal could.
After Nadal, still the world No. 1, raced out to a quick first set triumph, Djokovic battled back in the second and third, weathering rallies with fantastic defense. Near the end of the second set, it was the typically indefatigable Nadal looking for rest and ice towels.
And in the third set, Djokovic held at 5-6 and then benefited from uncharacteristic Nadal mistakes in the tiebreaker — including a double fault — to complete his comeback.
The victory is Djokovic’s 26th straight singles match victory, and marks the fourth straight tournament title he’s claimed. He’s yet to lose in 2011.
Of course, if the red-hot Djokovic meets Nadal on the red clay of Roland Garros, that statistic may change.
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