Djokovic Remains Flawless in 2011 With 37 Consecutive Wins in Defeat of Nadal in Italian Open Finals
May 16, 2011 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Novak Djokovic has run his consective match win streak to 37 in 2011 with Sunday’s 6-4, 6-4 win in the Italian Open finals over Rafael Nadal. Djokovic defeated Nadal for the fourth time ina tournament final so far in 2011. Djokovic remains five wins away behind John McEnroe’s 42-0 start in 1984. Overall, the 23-year-old Djokovic has won 39 consecutive matches dating back to Serbia’s Davis Cup win in December 2010, seven wins behind Guillermo Vilas’ Open era mark of 44-0 set in 1977.
“It’s an incredible honor to be a part of tennis history in some way and part of an elite group of players—Federer, Nadal, McEnroe, (Ivan) Lendl, guys who were winning so many in a row,” Djokovic said. “I don’t know how much good it brings to tennis, but it’s good that someone else is able to win other than just Federer and Nadal. It makes it more interesting.”
Djokovic’s most recent win over Nadal could set him up to overtake the Spaniard Nadal at the top of the ATP world rankings after the French Open.
“I was happy with the way I (played) today. I didn’t hit the ball (badly) but it seems like he’s always in a better position,” said Nadal. “I played more aggressive than one week ago. I didn’t play all defensive like in Madrid.”
