• Madrid Masters

Djokovic ends Nadal's long unbeaten record on clay

Novak Djokovic has won his first 32 matches of 2011 © Getty Images

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One remarkable record fell and another powered on as Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal 7-5 6-4 in the final of the Madrid Masters.

Djokovic, who claimed his eighth Masters title, has now won 32 consecutive matches in 2011, while Nadal has lost on clay for the first time in 38 encounters.

John McEnroe's run of 42 triumphs from the start of the 1984 season is under serious threat, with Djokovic casting major doubt on Nadal's status as favourite for the French Open.

Djokovic entered the match having lost all nine of his matches with Nadal on clay - but he set about reversing that sequence by storming into a 4-0 lead, with the Spaniard made to look ordinary by the devastating power of his opponent, who was firing unstoppable missiles on the forehand flank.

The Serb let his concentration slip after building that formidable advantage, surrendering a first break with a double fault, before allowing Nadal to hold serve for the first time in the contest - a routine achievement given added significance by what had gone before.

Djokovic had the chance to serve for the set at 5-3 up, but by this time Nadal was resurgent - and the momentum was shifting in his favour. With caution beginning to creep into Djokovic's play, Nadal was able to cancel out another of his opponent's breaks, leaving the match back on serve.

After 13-minute game brought the score to 5-5, Nadal began to show the signs of fatigue, having produced a majestic feat of defiance to save three set points. Djokovic took full advantage, reeling off the next two games against his listless adversary - and, as a result, claiming the set.

Nadal lost the first set against Roger Federer before battling back to win their semi-final - and he threatened to do the same here after breaking in the first game of the second stanza, in the process producing an ingenious through-the-legs lob to bamboozle Djokovic.

But Djokovic's incredible unbeaten record was not founded on a fragile mind, and he hit back immediately with a break of his own. The set went on serve, with each hold cranking up the pressure on the next game, and any mistake liable to prove disastrous.

It was Nadal who finally folded in the tenth game, having battled valiantly throughout, as Djokovic confirmed he is currently the man to beat in men's tennis.

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