Brilliant display from Novak – the 2014 Sony Open Tennis Champion!
World no.2 Novak Djokovic captured his fourth Miami Masters title on Sunday with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over top seed Rafael Nadal in one hour and 24 minutes.
Djokovic now has an 18-22 all-time mark against the Spaniard in 40 meetings – the most frequent Open Era match-up.
Novak stamped his authority in the pair’s 20th final encounter, breaking in the sixth game of the opening set for 6-3. He continued to display superb form in the second set, and with two breaks, in the first and ninth games, recorded his 30th match win at Crandon Park.
“It’s been a fantastic tournament, a very enjoyable time as it always is in Miami,” said Novak in his on-court interview. “I played a great match, from the start to the end everything was working really well. It’s always a challenge and a pleasure to play against Rafa. Back in 2007 I won my first big title here and I have the greatest memories from this centre court.”
Novak won 83 % of points behind his first serve, and was a 6/7 when approaching the net.
Match statistics: aces (4-2), double faults (0-1), winners (22-15), unforced errors (14-20), total points won (61-40).
Nole moved second in the all-time Miami winners list with victory today, surpassing Pete Sampras. The 26-year-old, who lifted the trophy in 2007 (d. Canas), 2011 (d. Nadal) and 2012 (d. Murray), became just the second player to win the Indian Wells-Miami title double for a second time (Roger Federer – 2005-06).
The Serbian star has now amassed 18 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 shields, his 43rd career title, second in 2014.
Novak switches his focus to the clay court season, as the ATP tour swings back to Europe.
Djokovic will defend title at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (April 13-20), where he ended Nadal’s eight-year reign last year with a 6-2, 7-6(1) victory in the final.
Photo: Getty Images
