Novak Djokovic has won his fifth title of 2016 by claiming the Madrid Masters with a three-set victory over defending champion Andy Murray.
The world number one suffered defeat during the early stages of his first clay-court tournament of the year in Monte Carlo last month, but he proved that he had fully shaken off that defeat with a 6-2 3-6 6-3 triumph over Murray.
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Murray had entered their 32nd meeting off the back of a win over Rafael Nadal on Saturday afternoon, but he was second best during the first set as Djokovic broke twice to establish an early advantage.
However, Murray took his opportunity in the second as he registered the only break of serve to take the showdown into a decider, but Djokovic struck at the beginning of the third to regain the initiative.
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Murray peppered away at the Djokovic serve but he could only take one of his eight break-point chances in the third and after Djokovic broke for a second time, he was able to close out the win.
The duo now head to the Rome Masters as they continue their preparations ahead of Roland Garros which gets underway later this month.
Darren Plant
