World number three Novak Djokovic held off a fightback by American Mardy Fish to win the Pacific Life Open final 6-2 5-7 6-3 on Sunday and secure his second prestigious ATP title of the year. Two months after claiming his first grand slam crown at the Australian Open, the Serb broke world number 98 Fish once in the final set before sealing victory in just over two hours.
"It's been a dream start to the year," third-seeded Djokovic, runner-up in the Masters Series event at Indian Wells 12 months ago, told reporters. Djokovic, 20, made a fast start in the final, winning the first six points of the match and breaking Fish in the second game when the American crowd favourite hit a forehand long. Although Fish broke back in the fifth, forcing a backhand error by his opponent with a searing forehand service return, he failed to hold serve in the sixth.