Count of Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo: Novak Djokovic continued his awe-inspiring run of form to claim the Monte Carlo Masters title on Sunday with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 win over Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych. The Serbian World No.1 became the first player to clinch the opening three Masters titles of the season after he triumphed in Indian Wells and Miami, notably seeing off nine-time French Open champion Rafa Nadal in Saturday’s semifinal.

Berdych, however, was no pushover in the final of the first tournament of the European claycourt season, which will culminate at Roland Garros from May 24-June 7.

“I thought I won this match with my heart and with battle,” said Djokovic. “That’s how I feel like I won it. I don’t think I’ve played on the level that I wish to play and that I have played throughout the whole week,” he added.

Coming into the match with a 2-18 win-loss record against Djokovic, Berdych had little to lose and he started brightly, stealing the Serbian’s serve in the first game with a nice backhand winner down the line, allowing his opponent only two points in the first two games. But the Czech started to make unforced errors and in no time Djokovic had moved from 3-1 down to 5-3 up. Berdych kept battling and levelled for 5-5 after reeling off six points in a row in a see-saw contest.

The Serbian’s rhythm, however, was too much to handle for Berdych, who saved two set points before cracking on the third, sending a backhand into the net after Djokovic had sent him chase the ball to every corner.

Berdych had his chance in the fifth game of the second set as he set up three break points but he wasted two with unforced errors and Djokovic saved the third with a service winner.