Djokovic beats Nadal in Madrid final

Novak Djokovic shows his delight after completing a breakthrough victory over Rafael Nadal. Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal 7-5 6-4 to win Madrid Masters crownDjokovic extends his winning streak in 2011 to 32 with sixth titlesFirst victory over Nadal for the Serb to end 37-match winning streak for Spaniard on clay

(CNN) -- Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal for the first time on clay to claim the Madrid Masters title Sunday and extend his winning streak in 2011 to 32 matches.

The 7-5 6-4 straight sets victory stunned the partisan crowd in the Spanish capital as Djokovic stepped up his bid to usurp Nadal as world number one.

The defeat ended a 37-match winning streak for Nadal on his favorite surface, his last coming in the fourth round of the 2009 French Open to Robin Soderling.

Serbia's Djokovic has now beaten Nadal in the last three Masters 1000 tournament finals in Indian Wells, Miami and now Madrid.

But it was the manner of his victory over the 'king of clay' which so impressed particularly after nine straight previous defeats on the red stuff.

"I walked onto the court thinking I could win," said Djokovic.

I walked onto the court thinking I could win
--Novak Djokovic

"I'm very happy with the way I played. This court was fast today, and I took advantage," he told the courtside crowd.

He gained two early breaks to lead 4-0 in the opening set before Nadal recovered to level at 5-5.

Djokovic comfortably held his own service then broke Nadal for the third time as he closed it out on his fourth set point.

The start of the second set was marked by an incredible winner from the home hero as he hit a lobbed winner from between his legs over a bemused Djokovic.

It brought the crowd to their feet, but they were quickly silenced as Djokovic continued to have the edge although Nadal showed resilience to stay in the set.

The final breakthrough came in the 10th game as Djokovic forged three match points and after missing a backhand winner on the first he was soon celebrating as Nadal hit wide.

His victory after two hours and 17 minutes gave Djokovic his sixth title of the year, including the Australian Open.

The pair will lock horns again in the Italian Open Masters Series event this week in Rome ahead of the second grand slam of the season at Roland Garros.

CNN Top Stories

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.