Djokovic revels in fourth Miami victory

World number two denies Nadal elusive title in final.

MIAMI: Six-time grand slam winner Novak Djokovic said he was pleased with the way he showed no leniency to world number one Rafael Nadal as he claimed his fourth Miami Masters crown with a dominating straight-sets win.

Second seed Djokovic cruised to a 6-3, 6-3 win in the men's final of the combined ATP and WTA Tour hardcourt tournament.

"I played a great match, everything was working really well," said Djokovic. "I didn't give him a chance to come back in the match. I am really excited."



Djokovic – who benefitted from two walkovers – did not drop a set, winning his third Miami title in four years and fourth in total to add to triumphs in 2007, 2011, and 2012.

Djokovic clinched the victory on his first championship point, capping a long rally with a clever volley that landed in the open court at the Crandon Park Tennis Centre.

The 26-year-old Serbian had a relatively easy time beating Nadal. His serve was bigger and defence stronger as he came in with the perfect game plan.

He blasted five aces, won 30 of 35 points on his first serve and had no double faults in the 83-minute contest.

Frustrated Nadal rues another loss

Thirteen-time major winner Nadal was looking for his maiden win in Miami after losing the final in 2011, 2009 and 2008.

Nadal, who has won two titles in 2014 in Doha and Rio de Janeiro, had two aces and won just 59% of his first-serve points.

"He was better than me at everything," said claycourt specialist Nadal. "He was able to find the right spot and the right position.

"Playing against him is the worst thing that can happen to me because he has a better return and a better serve, especially on this surface."

Nadal said he could not put his finger on the reason he was unable to win in Miami. He said Miami should be no different than the other 26 Masters events he has triumphed in.

"I haven’t lost so many finals in any tournament," he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1^st, 2014.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.