Djokovic beats Nadal to take dream start closer to Lendl's record

The Serbian pushed to the distance by top-ranked Nadal but wins Sony Ericsson Open for a 24-0 start to 2011, one less than Ivan Lendl in 1986.

Novak Djokovic not ensured a 8-0 record against the world's top players but also denied a third attempt by Rafael Nadal at the title in Key Biscayne, Florida. Clive Brunskill / Getty Images

KEY BISCAYNE, Florida // Novak Djokovic won his fourth consecutive tournament, beating top-ranked Rafael Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4) in a grueling final at the Sony Ericsson Open.

Djokovic has won 26 consecutive matches since December, and his record of 24-0 in 2011 is the best to begin a year since Ivan Lendl started 25-0 in 1986.

The No 2-ranked Djokovic was pushed the distance by Nadal on a sunny, hot afternoon. They played for nearly three-and-half hours, and it was Djokovic who looked fresher at the finish.

"It was such a close match," he said. "To win against the No 1 player of the world in a tiebreak in the third set, it's just incredible."

He pulled a forehand winner crosscourt on the final point for his second Key Biscayne title. He also won in 2007.

Djokovic beat Nadal in the final at Indian Wells two weeks ago and is 8-0 against top-10 opponents this year. He's the first man to win Indian Wells and Key Biscayne back to back since Roger Federer in 2006.

"What he's doing is unbelievable," Nadal said. "First thing, he's very good; second thing, he's playing with big confidence. When you're winning, it's easier to keep winning."

As the victories mount, his popularity rises. Djokovic seemed to have at least half the record capacity crowd of 14,625 in his corner. Fans frequently chanted "No-le! No-le!" - his nickname. In response came chants of "Ra-fa! Ra-fa!"

The two finalists will keep the same rankings, even though Nadal hasn't won a tournament since Tokyo in October.

"It's the best four months in my life, but it's only the start of the season," Djokovic said. "It's a bit early to talk about getting that top spot in the rankings. Rafa is definitely the best player in the world now. If I want to have the No 1 ranking, I need to play consistently well throughout the whole year."

Nadal fell to 0-3 in Key Biscayne finals. "Maybe I was a little bit more nervous than other days," Nadal said, "maybe because I never won here, and this is the third chance."

Djokovic fell behind early in the match, losing his serve for the first time in the tournament. Twice he smashed his racket, but he gradually climbed back, despite Nadal's best efforts.

Both players misfired - they had 36 unforced errors apiece - but there were plenty of riveting rallies. One lasted 26 strokes; another ended with Djokovic tumbling near the net post after he flicked a lunging backhand crosscourt for a winner.

Then the heat began to take a toll. Djokovic panted after particularly long points, while a sweaty Nadal repeatedly toweled off his face, arms and even legs.

Both players held throughout the final set, and it finally swung Djokovic's way in the tiebreaker

"It was obvious that both of us were slowing down toward the end," Djokovic said. "In the tiebreak, it was really anybody's game. Until the last shot, I didn't know if I was going to win or not."

The fourth point proved pivotal. Djokovic put Nadal on the run, sending him left to right to left before finding an opening to hit a winner. The 15-shot rally left the crowd in a roar and Nadal hunched over in exhaustion.

Nadal double-faulted on the next point to fall behind 3-2. Djokovic won the next three points, as well. "Nothing left in my body right now," Nadal said 90 minutes after the match. "I love these kind of matches."

With a smile he added, "For sure I love to win, not lose."