Miami Final - How Djokovic Won

© Getty ImagesNovak Djokovic wins his second Sony Ericsson Open title.

Novak Djokovic d. Rafael Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(4)

Appearing in his third Sony Ericsson Open final, Nadal came out firing to start, breaking the World No. 2 in the third game of the match, ending the Serbian’s streak of 41 consecutive service games held this tournament. Djokovic had chances to break back in the next game with two opportunities of his own at 15/40, but couldn’t convert, eventually ending the game with back-to-back backhand errors.

The amalgamation of Nadal’s energy and confidence, and Djokovic’s frustration facilitated a comfortable 5-1 lead for the Spaniard. The Serb’s vigor soon came alive and he won three straight games – Djokovic had a 15/30 opening with Nadal serving for the set at 5-4, but some well placed serves enabled the World No. 1 to get out of the jam, closing the set out in 57 minutes.

The high intensity and level of play carried over into the second set, but it was Djokovic who upped the ante on his ground strokes, creating a 3-0 advantage after saving a break point in the third game. Uncharacteristic errors on Nadal’s forehand crept in, allowing the Serb to take more chances, making use of an effective drop shot to close several points out at net. Djokovic eventually served the set out at love with an ace to even the match at one set all.

Watch Highlights | Hot Shot

Both players made quick impacts on their opponent’s serve early in the third set, each having 0/30 openings, but couldn’t craft any break point opportunities. The intensity between the players and fans in the sold-out stadium increased game-by-game, as each player continued to hold serve. Djokovic had a solid look at 4-4, 30/30 after Nadal hit his fifth double fault of the match, but the Spaniard wasn’t deterred, and won the two subsequent points to move ahead 5-4.

With pressure mounting, Djokovic remained poised, winning three straight points at net to even the set. The Spaniard held with ease and was two points away from the championship in the following game, but his Serbian counterpart remained focused and held serve to send the match into a deciding tie-break, much to the fans’ delight, as several stood on their feet in appreciation of the two athletes.

The tie-break began with five successive mini-breaks, ending with Nadal’s sixth double fault. Djokovic consolidated the advantage with two points on his serve, notching a 5-2 lead. He followed it up with a down-the-line forehand winner to set up four match points. The Spaniard saved the first two, but Djokovic denied the World No. 1 a heroic comeback, taking the next point to win the Sony Ericsson Open for the second time in five years.