MADRID - Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal on clay for the first time in 10 tries, beating the Spanish head 7 - 5, 6-4 to win the Madrid Open Sunday and extend his invincibility 32-game season.
Djokovic second wasted a 4-0 lead in the first set, but recovered at the end of the last victories of Nadal on clay to 37 matches and the Serbs to win his third consecutive victory over Nadal in the final this season.
Novak Djokovic has not lost this year. His 32-0 record in 2011 is the mark of second season male tennis since 1980.
Djokovic 2011 sixth title allowed him to exceed season-opening 31-match run by Bjorn Borg in 1980. He trails only the beginning of 42-0 John McEnroe in 1984.
"It is probably just at the top," Djokovic speaks to beat Nadal on clay on Spanish soil. "In the circumstances, I played an incredible match." ... I walk on the Court today thinking that I could win. I need to be aggressive and it was a great game. ?
Run of Djokovic of 34 consecutive wins since the triumph of the Davis Cup of the Serbia in December is the eighth best of all time.
"I am obviously against a great player - he had a monster year," Nadal said. "He was better, you have to accept that.".
He also lost Djokovic in the final at Indian Wells and Miami this year.
Defeat last of Nadal on clay came to Robin Soderling Garros nearly two years ago. He won six titles on clay, and it is only his seventh loss on the surface of 196 2005 games.
Nadal had divided the last two finals here with Roger Federer and Switzerland star was beaten in three sets in the semi-finals Saturday. But Djokovic proves too difficult and vengé loss to Nadal 2009 Magic Box arena, where the couple collide in a record of 4 hours more semi-finals.
Djokovic has spent most of the course of the past seasons as player no. 3 of the world behind Nadal and Federer, but began the year by winning the Open of Australia and has not regretted.
Julian Finney/Getty ImagesNovak Djokovic remained perfect in 2011 with a victory of the right sets to Rafael Nadal.Sunday, he was confronted with what is widely regarded as the most difficult test - in tennis Nadal on clay - and his victory is yet another signal that a change of power standing may be in the works.
"I am pleased that I can play the best tennis when I had to and perhaps lacking much in the past", said Djokovic. "That is what was perhaps missing against Rafa and Roger in past tournaments."
Djokovic ran out 4-0 lead after Nadal netted to be broken for the second time.
"The game started terribly," said Nadal, who also won here in 2005. "I have to play more aggressive forehand."
The Spanish broke back immediately and then withdrew in 5-4 conversion after his second point of rupture of a ball in the corner.
Nadal then saved three set points straight well before Djokovic took the set on his fourth try when his backhand took a lucky bounce on the net cord and left do Nadal no chance.
In a complete match of big shots, Nadal fired up the crowd with a spectacular lob between the legs to set up three break points in the first game of the second series. Nadal has slammed a forehand down the line to break, but the stubborn Djokovic bounced right at level in the next game.
"Each point had an average 10-15 rallies." "I need to work hard for my points", said Djokovic.
Backhand crosscourt Djokovic upset Nadal throughout and he set up three straight match points and converted the second when Djokovic Nadal sliced a large setback after a long rally.
The Serb has won $849,000 for the victory.
While Nadal holds an advantage on Djokovic good health in the world, the Spanish said that as a matter of time before Djokovic has resumed the No. 1 spot if he continues to play like that.
"The No. 1 ranking is step in danger - it is finished.". "Let's not lie to ourselves, this is the reality," said Nadal. "Nobody likes losing." I see what is lacking and work with a cool, open mind to decipher things and find solutions. To try a little better next time. ?
Djokovic has tried to suppress the expectations - especially with the French Open soon May 17.
"If I want to reach no. 1, I'll have to play well because it is that Rafa and the other players will be", he said. "No doubt correct in my series of victories and in the form of life - I am playing the best tennis of my career - I am probably one of the Favorites [at Roland Garros].".
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