Perfect Djokovic Edges Nadal To Hoist Miami Trophy
Djokovic outclasses Nadal to claim the Miami trophy (Foto: eurosport.com)
Given the perfect play he has shown so far this season, Novak Djokovic himself doesn’t know where his winning-streak is going to stop. The Serb overcame world champion Rafa Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(4) in the Miami Masters final to approach the first place ATP.
Djokovic has also gone 24-0 this season, which is the best one start in career, the Miami success being at the same time his fourth in a row in 2011 after the Australian Open, Dubai and the Indian Wells. Despite losing the opener, the Serb managed to win the next two sets, stunning Nadal with astonishing shots that made Djokovic look the world champion and Nadal rather the second favorite of the final.
The Spaniard, who hasn’t won any title this season, broke Djokovic early in the third game to go 3-1 and even three games adrift after another break claimed in the fifth. At 5-2, the Serb broke back, but it was too late, as Nadal held his last services to win the first set to four. The second set found Djokovic going three games ahead with the sheet clean. He broke the Spanish player early in the second game to go 3-0 and 4-1 at one point. Nadal could only win to more services, while Djokovic was approaching the leveler.
Finally, the third set was by far the tightest as well as the toughest to claim. The two went head to head until the tie-break which also found both players playing their best tennis ever. Djokovic was the first to take the lead, Nadal taking it back for 2-1. The was also the turning point of the match as the Serb won five points in a row to go 6-2. Once again, Nadal could only two more serves at 3-6 and 4-6, while Djokovic finished the clash at 7-4.
Admitted Djokovic: “As I said on the court, it was one of the closest and best finals that I have played ever. I think it was very high level of tennis today. I think everybody enjoyed, even us playing. It was very close, and up to the last stroke we really didn’t know which way it’s going to go.”
The head to head series between the two go 16-9 to Nadal, but the last two wins belong to Djokovic who beat Nadal twice this season, including the Indian Wells final. On his way to the final, the world No. 2 beat James Blake in the third round, Kevin Anderson in the quarters and Mardy Fish in the best four round. Nadal was the only to steal a set from the Serb who hadn’t dropped any in the previous five games.
However, there is no doubt that this year’s first place fight will be open and Djokovic won’t let this chance move away from him. On the other side, Nadal will look forward to maintain his recent-year hegemony, though it will be a tough challenge, the more Rogr Federer proved he’s not finished yet, either.
Djokovic is to pocket $611,000 and 1000 points ATP, while Nadal leaves Miami with a $298,200 check and 600 points ATP.
