Novak Djokovic ends Nadal’s eight-year domination at Monte Carlo

World Number 1 Novak Djokovic beat eight-time consecutive champion Rafael Nadal in straight sets to claim his first Monte Carlo Master 1000 title.

The Serb was in unbelievable form and took the first set in 46 minutes with a comfortable 6-2 scoreline. Djokovic stormed into a 5-0 lead with Nadal desperately trying to find answers to his opponent’s ruthless performance. The Spaniard looked nervous as he recorded a total of 29 unforced errors, more than his last two matches combined.

Nadal did well to save a set point during his own service game to prevent the Australian Open winner to take the first set to love, however he couldn’t stop Djokovic from taking the first set overall.

The second set was a much closer encounter. Nadal broke Djokovic’s serve early on to get his nose in front but the six-time Grand Slam Champion wasn’t going to let the match slip out of his hands as he did against the same opponent in June during the French Open Final, where a rain delay changed the emphasis of the match and Nadal managed to beat the Serb to the title. Djokovic recovered the deficit and forced the tie-break which he took very easily (7-1) thanks to winning 62% of his first serves and double aces past Nadal.

“I did not know if I was going to be part of the tournament this year,” said Djokovic after the match, “I made a decision to play and, right now, it’s the best decision of my life,” he concluded.

By winning his first Monte Carlo title, Djokovic ended Nadal’s 46 consecutive wins in his last 47 appearances at this tournament and a 81-victory streak in the month of April. The Djoker avenged last year’s final when he was completely outplayed by the Spaniard 6-3 6-1 and five weeks later suffered yet another defeat in the hands of Nadal at the French Open Final.

Umida Ibrahimova, sports correspondent

Monte Carlo Masters 1000 final result

N Djokovic d R Nadal 6-2 7-6 (7-1)