Defeating Nadal, Djokovic crowned at Sony Ericsson Open

Novak Djokovic continued his impressive form in 2011, with a victory over the reigning world number one in the final on Sunday night.

Djokovic won 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) to win his seventh Masters Series title. It was the world number two's fourth title this year. He also extended his winning streak to 24 matches, the best start to a men's season since Ivan Lendl's 25-match winning streak in 1986.

Djokovic (right) defeated Nadal for the second time in half a month.

Half a month ago, the world's two top male tennis players met in the final at the Indian Wells Masters. Nadal won the first set, but lost the remaining two to Djokovic. And last night in the final in Miami, the same scenario played out.

Nadal started strongly. He won the third game – Djokovic’s serve – to end the Serb’s streak of 41 consecutive service points at the tournament. In the next game, Djokovic failed to convert two break points, helping Nadal take a 5-1 lead. But from there, Djokovic began to show signs of a comeback.

He won the next three games in a row to close the gap to 5-4. Djokovic had a chance to win Nadal's serve, but failed to convert to help the Spaniard win the first set.

In the second set, Djokovic dominated and quickly took a 3-0 lead. Nadal tried to find a way back but could only salvage some of it, not completely neutralizing Djokovic's inspired play. The world number two player scored consecutive points with reasonable lobs and nets.

The third set was a dramatic affair with a back-and-forth. Nadal showed his superb technique, while Djokovic showed his confidence and character. Neither player allowed the other to break. The tie-break was then decided. And with accurate forehands, Djokovic continued to win points, leading 5-2 before finally winning.

The match ended after three hours and 21 minutes.

“It was a breathtaking match,” Djokovic said after the match. “It’s hard to put into words how I feel after beating the world number one in a tie-break in the deciding set. It was one of my best matches in recent times.”

Earlier in the women's singles final, Victoria Azarenka defeated Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-4 to win her second Sony Ericsson Open title. This is also the sixth WTA title in the Belarusian player's career.

According to VnExpress