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Novak Djokovic Beats Rafael Nadal In Sony Open Final (PICTURES)

Purple Reign: Djokovic Clinches Miami Final Win Over Nadal (PICTURES)
The Huffington Post UK/PA

Novak Djokovic came out on top in the battle between the leading two players in the world as he comprehensively defeated Rafael Nadal to claim the Sony Open in Miami.

In what was the 40th meeting between the pair - a record between two players in the Open era - Djokovic produced a clinical performance as he defeated world number one Nadal 6-3 6-3.

The Serbian won three of his four break points in the match, while Nadal failed to make the most of his one and only chance to break as Djokovic clinched victory in one hour and 24 minutes before celebrating wildly.

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Purple reign: Djokovic reacts to his straight-sets victory over Nadal

Djokovic, second in the ATP rankings, is now a four-time winner of the event, to go with his successes in 2007, 2011 and 2012, while Nadal has yet to lift the trophy after suffering another final disappointment.

The Spaniard had been beaten by Roger Federer (2005), Nikolay Davydenko (2008) and Djokovic (2011) in his three previous final appearances in Miami and it was a similar story on Sunday.

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Djokovic celebrates his win on Miami Beach

Djokovic, who becomes only the second player after Federer to win back-to-back titles at Indian Wells and Miami on two separate occasions, said at his trophy presentation: "I played a great match from the start to the end, everything was working really well.

"Bad luck Rafa, it's always a challenge and always a pleasure to play against you and congratulations for a good week and good luck for the rest of the season."

Djokovic beats Nadal
Sony Open - Day 15(01 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates match point against Rafael nadal of Spain during the final of the Sony Open at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(02 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after defeating Rafael Nadal of Spain during the Final of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(03 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after defeating Rafael Nadal of Spain during the Final of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(04 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia is congratulated at the net by Rafael Nadal of Spain after their match during the final of the Sony Open at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(05 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia is congratulated at the net by Rafael Nadal of Spain after their match during the final of the Sony Open at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(06 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: A general view of Stadium court showing Novak Djokovic of Serbia against Rafael Nadal of Spain during their final match during the final at the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Cente on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(07 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Actor Kevin Spacey watches from the crowd as Rafael Nadal of Spain plays against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their final match during the final at the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Cente on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(08 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Actor Kevin Spacey watches from the crowd as Rafael Nadal of Spain plays against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their final match during the final at the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Cente on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(09 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on after losing to Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the Final of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(10 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Rafael Nadal of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia pose with their trophies following the Final of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(11 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Rafael Nadal of Spain serves against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the Men's Final on day 14 of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(12 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the Butch Buchholz trophy after defeating Rafael Nadal of Spain during the Final of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(13 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia stretches to play a forehand against Rafael Nadal of Spain during their final match during the final at the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Cente on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(14 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the Butch Buchholz trophy after defeating Rafael Nadal of Spain during the Final of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(15 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: A general view of Rafael Nadal of Spain against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the Men's Final on day 14 of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(16 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts to losing a point against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the Final of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(17 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after defeating Rafael Nadal of Spain during the Final of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(18 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after defeating Rafael Nadal of Spain during the Final of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(19 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses for photographers with the Butch Buchholz Torphy after defeating Rafael nadal of Spain during the final of the Sony Open at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(20 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses for photographers with the Butch Buchholz Torphy after defeating Rafael nadal of Spain during the final of the Sony Open at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(21 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on during the trophy ceremony after losing to Novak Djokovic of Serbia after the Men's Final on day 14 of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(22 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses for photographers with the Butch Buchholz Torphy after defeating Rafael nadal of Spain during the final of the Sony Open at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(23 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Rafael Nadal of Spain looks on during the trophy ceremony after losing to Novak Djokovic of Serbia after the Men's Final on day 14 of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(24 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia jumps into the air to celebrate to the crowd after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain during their final match during the final at the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Cente on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(25 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia jumps into the air to celebrate to the crowd after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain during their final match during the final at the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Cente on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(26 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia jumps into the air to celebrate to the crowd after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain during their final match during the final at the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Cente on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(27 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia jumps into the air to celebrate to the crowd after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain during their final match during the final at the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Cente on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(28 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates match point against Rafael Nadal of Spain during the Men's Final on day 14 of the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(29 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia jumps into the air to celebrate to the crowd after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain during their final match during the final at the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Cente on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(30 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia jumps into the air to celebrate to the crowd after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain during their final match during the final at the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Cente on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(31 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia jumps into the air to celebrate to the crowd after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain during their final match during the final at the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Cente on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(32 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia jumps into the air to celebrate to the crowd after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain during their final match during the final at the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Cente on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Sony Open - Day 15(33 of33)
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KEY BISCAYNE, FL - MARCH 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia jumps into the air to celebrate to the crowd after his straight sets victory against Rafael Nadal of Spain during their final match during the final at the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Cente on March 30, 2014 in Key Biscayne, Florida. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)

He added on Sky Sports 3: "It feels great, I'm thrilled with my performance, it's been a fantastic day. I'm overwhelmed with the game I played.

"All in all it was an incredible tournament for me and the best performance at the right time."

Nadal said: "I want to congratulate Novak and his team, he did amazing with two great events in a row, winning in Indian Wells and now winning in Miami, that's very difficult to do, so just well done."

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