Djokovic extends winning streak
Originally published on: 21/03/11 10:08
Novak Djokovic extended his winning streak to 20 consecutive matches after coming from a set down to beat Rafael Nadal to the Indian Wells title.
The 23-year-old Serb, who hasn’t lost a match since he fell to Roger Federer in the semi-finals of the Barclays ATP World Tour finals last November, saw off the world No.1 4-6 6-3 6-2 to capture his second crown in the Californian desert.
“I am playing with a lot of confidence,” said Djokovic, whose victory also saw him join Nikolay Davydenko and David Nalbandian as just the third player to beat Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the same tournament on two occasions.
“I’m feeling the ball well on the court. I’m very dedicated. I have a big will to win each match I’m playing on, so it will not stop here, definitely. I want to keep on going and keep on playing good tennis.”
While 2010 was undoubtedly Rafael Nadal’s year, 2011 already looks set to belong to Novak Djokovic. He kicked off the season by picking up his second Australian Open crown in Melbourne, beat Roger Federer for the Dubai title and on Sunday in the Californian desert – claimed his sixth ATP Masters 1000 crown.
But despite claiming three straight titles to take his career haul to 21, Djokovic refutes suggestions that he has found an ‘invincible’ level.
“I don’t think anybody is unbeatable,” said the Serb. “I do have the best period of my life on the tennis court, but nobody is invincible.
“Still you are just trying to play your best in each match you’re playing.”
Nadal, who had not lost to Djokovic in their five previous tour-level finals and defeated the Serb for the Indian Wells crown in 2007, was not short of praise for his victorious opponent.
“I think he did better than possible to start one season,” said Nadal, who had been gunning for his 19 ATP Masters 1000 title. “He’s playing well. He’s in the right place at the right moment, so all the best for him for the rest of the season.”
Meanwhile, in the women’s draw Caroline Wozniacki saw off Marion Bartoli in three sets to claim her 14th title.
“I just love playing matches. I like winning. I like holding the trophy.”
Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here
