Novak Djokovic sets ATP record with second Monte Carlo title after beating Tomas Berdych
World No 1 becomes the first man to win the opening three Masters 1000 events in a season with his 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 defeat of Czech rival
Novak Djokovic set another career record last night with his second Monte Carlo title, as the Serb became the first man to win the opening three Masters 1000 events in a season through a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 defeat of Tomas Berdych.
The top seed, who lives just a few hundred metres away from the centre court, had to survive a comeback from his Czech rival as well as a 70-minute rain interruption, which came as he led by a set and 3-2 on serve in the second.
Djokovic’s victory was his 17th straight win of the season and also marked a fourth straight Masters 1000 title after also winning at Paris Bercy last November.
Tomas played a great match and deserves this trophy as much as I do. It was a good final, but bad luck
“It was a tough match, a particular match,” 2013 Monte Carlo winner Djokovic said of a somewhat frustrating win, where he struck 38 unforced errors, lost his first set of the week and converted on only five of 14 break points.
“Tomas played a great match and deserves this trophy as much as I do. It was a good final, but bad luck.”
Djokovic now owns 52 career titles and 23 at the elite Masters level. He stands 19-2 over Berdych and 30-2 this season.
