PETE ZIEBRON
World #3 Novak Djokovic Charles Gabrean Photography
Novak Djokovic continued his dazzling display of tennis, defeating Roger Federer 63 63 to win his 3rd consecutive Dubai Duty Free 500 yesterday. Djokovic is undefeated in 2011 (12-0) and has won 14 consecutive matches dating back to his victories in the 2010 Davis Cup Final. Throughout the 14 match streak, Djokovic sports a 35-3 record in sets played.
Despite falling behind 1-3 in the second set, Djokovic won the last five games of the match, breaking Federer twice in the process. The win in Dubai gave Djokovic his second win over Federer this year. In both victories, Djokovic has not dropped a set and owns a 32-21 differential in games won in the two matches. Djokovic improved to 8-13 lifetime against Federer. The win was Djokovic's 20th career title.
David Ferrer is now 14-2 in 2011 Charles Gabrean Photography
David Ferrer ended Nicolas Almagro's 13 match winning streak yesterday at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel 500 in Acapulco 76(4) 67(2) 62. Ferrer improved to 6-0 lifetime against his countryman and won his 11th career title.
Meanwhile, Ferrer joins Robin Soderling, Novak Djokovic and Almagro as the ATP's only multiple winners in 2011:
- Robin Soderling 3 titles 17-1 record
- Novak Djokovic 2 titles 12-0 record
- David Ferrer 2 titles 14-2 record
- Nicolas Almagro 2 titles 18-3 record
Next weekend, Novak Djokovic and Serbia host India in the World Group first round of 2011 Davis Cup play. David Ferrer and Spain, sans Nicolas Almagro, travel to Belgium. Robin Soderling and Sweden will play host to Russia.