( CNN ) Novak Djokovic extended his current winning streak to 17 matches after beating Thomas Berdych 7-5 , 4-6 , 6-3 in the rain-interrupted final of the Monte Carlo Masters . But the Serbian world number one did n't have it all his away under uncharacteristically slate gray skies on the Mediterranean coast . Tight . Djokovic edged a tight first set before losing the second after the Czech sixth seed took advantage of the short rain delay and came back strongly . But Djokovic broke twice early in the third set to surge to a 4-0 lead . And although Berdych gamely fought back Djokovic served out for the title . `` It was a tough match , a particular match , '' said Djokovic after winning his 52nd career title , and his second Monte Carlo Masters championship . `` Tomas played a great match and deserves this trophy as much as I do , '' he added . `` It was a good final , but bad luck today . '' Despite running Djokovic close it was Berdych 's third loss in a final this year . `` What can I say ? Novak had another excellent week , '' he said . `` I tried my best but it was not good enough today . I 'm missing that one step in my clay game but I 'm going to work to raise my game that little bit . I 'll do what I can to make that happen and hope to come back next year and go a step further '' . '' Strong start . 2015 has been a sensational year for Djokovic so far . After winning the Australian Open back in January , Djokovic has followed up with Masters ' victories at Indian Wells and Miami . He then beat Rafa Nadal , arguably one of the greatest players on clay of all time , in the semi finals in Monte Carlo . Sunday 's victory over Berdych means he becomes the first man to win the opening three Masters tournaments of the season .
Djokovic wins Monte Carlo Masters . Defeats Berdych 7-5 , 4-6 , 6-3 . Djokovic had earlier beaten clay expert Nadal in semis .