DUBAI: Novak Djokovic extended his winning streak to 18 matches to claim a fourth Dubai Championships in five years on Saturday, underlining his status as the world’s best player after beating Tomas Berdych 7-5, 6-3 in the final.
The Serb was ruthless in coming back from a break down in the first set, converting two break points out of three, while Berdych only managed to make one of his four count.
In the second, Djokovic only needed one chance to make the break he needed to go 5-3 up and then serve out the match, a flat forehand into the corner sealing the title.
The 25-year-old is unbeaten since October, did not drop a set in Dubai and he has now won all 13 matches against top 10 opponents since Andy Murray defeated him in last year’s US Open final.
In that time, he has added the World Tour Finals and a third straight Australian Open crown.
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal beat Nicolas Almagro 7-5, 6-4 on Friday in Acapulco, Mexico to set up a late Saturday meeting with David Ferrer.
Nadal beat Almagro in 1 hour, 49 minutes to improve to 9-0 in their head-to-head meetings.
Nadal has not lost a clay-court semifinal since 2003, and will be trying for his 38th career clay title.
Ferrer had to work hard to reach his fourth straight final, edging Italian Fabio Fognini 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1 in 2 hours, 23 minutes.
The turning point was the opening game of the third set when Ferrer fought off three break points to hold serve.
Ferrer has won 19 consecutive matches in this event. (AP)