Novak Djokovic Defeats Rafael Nadal In Two Sets, Wins Italian Open

Novak Djokovic extended his winning streak to 37 straight 2011 matches on Sunday when he defeated Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-4 to claim the Italian Open final.

Djokovic has met with Nadal in four finals this year, winning all four matches, including his first win over the Spaniard on a clay service last week at the Madrid Open final. That win combined with his current victory makes him the first player ever to defeat Nadal two times on clay in one year.

If Djokovic can win 6 more matches in a row he will have overtaken the record set by John McEnroe’s 42-0 start to the 1984 season. If you include Djokovic’s streak extending back to the Serbia David Cup in December he has won 39 straight matches.

When asked about his win Djokovic said it was partly do to the altitude and faster conditions offered in the region. His win came after a three-hour semifinal win over Andy Murray that ended near midnight on Saturday.

In other tennis news, Maria Sharapova defeated Sam Stosur 6-2, 6-4 to claim her biggest career clay-court victory to date.