Novak Djokovic Wins Sixth Miami Open Title By Defeating Kei Nishikori

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic clinched a record-tying sixth Key Biscayne title and his third in a row after defeating Japan’s Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-3 in the Miami Open final on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic Wins Sixth Miami Open Title By Defeating Kei Nishikori

After Nikishori shanked the final shot, Djokovic, 28, happily jumped near the net and delivered a net kick, flying high.

During the trophy ceremony, the World No. 1 recalled winning his first Key Biscayne title at the age of 19.

“I have a very special connection to this tournament,” Djokovic told the crowd. “In 2007 it was the biggest title I had won in my career. It has been a springboard for everything coming after that. I certainly hope that the love affair continues in the years to come.”

Djokovic matched American Andre Agassi’s record of six men’s titles at Key Biscayne, and the Serb appears to be invincible. He’s 28-1 so far in 2016, his lone loss coming during his quarterfinal against Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in Dubai, which he retired from due to an eye infection.

Djokovic earned his 28th ATP Masters title, breaking the record he shared with Rafael Nadal. He also recorded his 714th career victory.

The No. 6-ranked Nishikori lost to Djokovic for the sixth straight time and failed after an erratic serve. He recorded five double-faults, all of which Djokovic took advantage of to earn five breaks.

Nishikori required treatment from a trainer on his left thigh late in the second set, but his opponent ultimately proved to be the bigger problem.

“It’s always tough to play Novak,” Nishikori said later. “I thought I wasn’t playing too bad, but at the same time he played great tennis. He was very patient and he didn’t miss.”

Djokovic won all 12 of his sets in the tournament. Djokovic earned $1.03 million — the same as women’s champion Victoria Azarenka. After winning the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells two weeks ago, Djokovic caused controversy when he said men should earn more prize money than women because they draw larger crowds.

Djokovic overtook Roger Federer as the ATP Tour career leader in prize money with $98.2 million. The French Open is the only major tournament the Serb, a 10-time Grand Slam champion, has yet to win.

Caption: KEY BISCAYNE, FL – APRIL 03: Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot to Kei Nishikori of Japan during the final on Day 14 of the Miami Open presented by Itau at Crandon Park Tennis Center on April 3, 2016 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena