Novak Djokovic vs. Kei Nishikori: Score, Reaction from 2016 Miami Open

Novak Djokovic continued his dominance at the Miami Open on Sunday and also made significant ATP World Tour history with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Kei Nishikori at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, Florida.  

Sunday marked Djokovic's third consecutive and sixth overall singles title at the tournament, the latter achievement tying Andre Agassi. It was also Djokovic's 28th career Masters 1000 title, breaking a tie with Rafael Nadal for the all-time record, per ATP Media Info.

Given that Nadal is showing signs of wear and tear and Djokovic doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon, it stands to reason he'll create further separation in the record books. For now, it's clear Djokovic has further cemented his status as world No. 1.

Djokovic held at love to close out the opening set after conceding two breaks to Nishikori. Thankfully, the victor's impeccable return game was on point, as Djokovic won eight of Nishikori's 15 first-serve points in the first set.

Christopher Clarey of the New York Times commented on how Nishikori couldn't capitalize on a vulnerable Djokovic serve:

BBC Sport's Piers Newbery referenced another key factor that was in Nishikori's control and could have led to a different opening-set outcome:

Tennis.com resorted to bionics to laud Djokovic's brilliance:

Although he won the first two points of the next set in his service game, Nishikori seemed to succumb to the pressure and surrendered another break to his relentless adversary.

The Miami Open showed a lightning-fast version of what was a 33-shot rally, per Tennis.com's Steve Tignor, that gave Djokovic the early second-set edge:

Dropping only one point on his serve in the subsequent game, Djokovic cruised out to a 2-0 lead and made it extremely difficult for Nishikori to muster any momentum from there.

ESPN The Magazine's Howard Bryant noted how Nishikori's lackluster serve has prevented him from making further progress as a fixture in the top 10 of the world rankings:

The only area Nishikori was able to exploit in this match came on return. He pushed Djokovic to deuce but lost the ad-out point to fall behind 3-1 in the final set. That was the only glimmer of hope Nishikori had down the stretch, as he also battled left knee pain and needed a late injury timeout.

Even on a 40-0 edge with triple game point, Djokovic showed his razor-sharp focus with a phenomenal winner up the line to get up 4-2. When he hit a forehand out after pushing Nishikori to deuce thereafter, he slammed his racket in frustration despite still being in prime position to win.

A laboring Nishikori fought off two championship points but ultimately fell. The conclusion of Sunday's match signaled the eighth consecutive time Djokovic has claimed the title in straight sets in a final match.

ATPWorldTour.com's Josh Meiseles highlighted yet another record Djokovic set on the strength of his latest triumph:

It appears as though Djokovic's prowess in the Masters events will endure thanks to his blend of fitness, finesse and power that translates to all courts. The man he eclipsed in Masters titles, Nadal, is nearing the end of his playing days, opening the door more for one of the few accomplishments Djokovic hasn't achieved.

The French Open is the next major on the slate, and Djokovic has great form to draw on as he gears up for another opportunity to complete the career Grand Slam.

Djokovic lost the final at Roland Garros last season—the only major he didn't claim the title in. He has all the makings of holding all four majors not only for his career but also for the 2016 calendar year if his level of play holds up.

Transitioning from the hard court to clay is never an easy task. And for as mentally tough as Djokovic has proved to be, he's yet to get the job done at the French Open.

The pressure figures to be intense for him to break through, especially since Djokovic is upholding a high standard of excellence with a third straight Indian Wells-Miami Masters title run.

Post-Match Reaction

Erik Gudris of TennisNow logged the general mindset Djokovic had as he looked ahead:

Amid concerns that the Miami Open may change venues in the absence of improvements, Djokovic tried to reassure fans that the tournament would remain at Crandon Park with some humor.

"I assure you [this tournament] will stay here," said Djokovic, per WTA Insider's Courtney Nguyen. Djokovic added, "I know from a reliable source that we are going to be playing here for many years to come."

Nishikori was classy in defeat, saying, per Live Tennis on Twitter: "Congrats Novak. Incredible, two tournaments in a row. I hope I can get you next time."

At his press conference afterward, Nishikori longed to make more of his next opportunity and said, "I hope I can step up a little more next time," per the Miami Open's official Twitter account.

Note: Stats courtesy of ATPWorldTour.com.