Djokovic triumphs in rain-delayed Monte Carlo final

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Neither the rain nor the stubborn resistance of Tomas Berdych could prevent Novak Djokovic from adding another Masters title to his collection, the Serb prevailing 7-5 4-6 6-3 in Monte Carlo.

The world number one claimed his fourth consecutive Masters crown, but did not have it all his own way on Sunday as Berdych made a strong fist of it.

Djokovic, who overcame eight-time winner Rafael Nadal in the semis, was a break down in the opener and later fluffed his lines when serving for the set - only to get the job done at the next attempt.

The rain came in the second set and the delay, which lasted more than an hour, appeared to suit Berdych, who was 3-2 down beforehand but went on to level the match.

Stung by that, Djokovic was imperious in the decider and deservedly sealed the victory.

Berdych broke in the first game and went on to take a 3-1 lead, but surrendered the initiative as Djokovic reeled off four games on the bounce to leave him serving for the set.

The Czech showed tremendous resolve to dig in and thwart his opponent, Djokovic dumping a forehand into the net to seal a crucial break for Berdych.

That hard work was nearly undone in the next game, though, as some wayward baseline hitting afforded Djokovic two break points - the Serb ultimately denied in two rallies, during which Berdych was the aggressor. 

The roles were reversed in the next two points, with Djokovic finding the lines to wrap up a hard-fought first set.

Berdych did not allow his intensity to drop and secured three break points in game five of the second set, only for Djokovic to produce his best when he needed it, winning five points in a row to stave off the threat.

Rain began to fall towards the end of that game and more heavily once the players were sat courtside, with proceedings brought to a halt soon after.

Berdych forced the issue upon the resumption, prevailing in a stunning rally to seal a 4-3 lead with what proved to be a decisive break.

Djokovic surged into a 4-0 lead in the third set and, despite Berdych clawing one break back, went on to claim the trophy he also won in 201, becoming the first man to triumph in the opening three Masters events of the season.

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