Novak Djokovic made history Sunday as he attempts to make history in 2015.
The No. 1-ranked player in the world captured the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters on Sunday, defeating Tomas Berdych 7-5, 4-6, 6-3.
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Atpworldtour.com reported that Djokovic became the first player to win the first three ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events in a season, completing the Indian Wells-Miami-Monte Carlo trifecta.
"I'm 27," said Djokovic. "Obviously I'm experiencing the time of my life on the tennis court, and also private life is very good. I became a father. I'm just trying to sometimes pinch myself and say, 'Where am I at this point in my life?' I'm very grateful for this, for everything that I have. That's the kind of philosophy."
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Djokovic who won his 17th straight match (he has emerged victorious from 18 straight matches, but one win was a walk-over), said he'll take a break before he returns to action at the Madrid Open in two weeks.
Djokovic has his sights on completing his career Grand Slam at the 2015 French Open in May. But if the best player in the world can end Rafael Nadal's five-year reign at Roland Garros (and nine titles in the last 10 years), what's to prevent the Serb from winning the Grand Slam this year?
"The fact that now I won (the first) three Masters 1000 in a row and nobody ever has done that, of course I'm aware of that. That has given me more motivation. I'm very proud of what I have achieved. It can only serve as an incentive, imperative for what's coming up."
Djokovic admitted that he was not in top form during his two-hour, 43-minute battle against Berdych, but that's what makes him more dangerous. He can find ways to win without being at the top of his game.
"I was just trying to stay with the right intensity and focus for each point because obviously you get tense when you're not feeling so comfortable on the court," he said, according to atpworldtour.com. When you start missing, you kind of back up. I had to adjust my position and movement on the court several times. In the end I'm sitting here with this trophy that is very special to me. This is what matters. Sometimes winning ugly is necessary. It's been a remarkable start of the season for me. I couldn't ask for a better start of clay court season."
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