Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 7-6, & (7-4) in the Sony Ericsson Open to claim his seventh Masters Series win, his fourth title of the year and take his 2011 record to 24-0.

Djokovic extended his undefeated record since ATP World Tour in London last November 2010.

The Serb will look to further close the gap on Nadal at the top of the standings as the Spaniard has a huge number of ranking points to defend, having won all the major clay tournaments last year.

It is the best start to a year in men’s tennis since Ivan Lendl began with 25 consecutive victories in 1986.

Djokovic and Nadal now head to Europe for the start of the clay-court season.

Whether Djokovic is ready to surpass Nadal on clay remains to be seen but after defeating his closest rival recently, there is no doubt he is the man to beat right now.