Novak Djokovic maintained his unbeaten record in 2011 and landed his seventh title in an already astonishing year by defeating Rafael Nadal in the final of the Rome Masters on Sunday evening.
The Serb has now won 39 consecutive matches – 37 this year – and will head to Roland Garros for the French Open in a week's time as overwhelming favourite to add to the Australian Open crown he won in January.
He beat Nadal 6-4, 6-4 in Sunday's final.
Nadal fought valiantly but he has now lost in four finals this year to Djokovic – in Indian Wells, Miami and, last week, on clay in Madrid, as well as Rome.
The Serb has now won 39 consecutive matches – 37 this year – and will head to Roland Garros for the French Open in a week's time as overwhelming favourite to add to the Australian Open crown he won in January.
He beat Nadal 6-4, 6-4 in Sunday's final.
Nadal fought valiantly but he has now lost in four finals this year to Djokovic – in Indian Wells, Miami and, last week, on clay in Madrid, as well as Rome.