Novak Djokovic battled past Andy Murray today ©Getty Images

Serbia's Novak Djokovic won a high quality dual with Britain's Andy Murray this evening to secure a first Madrid Open singles title since 2011.

Djokovic, who has now won five of his last six Masters events, started superbly to sweep through the opening set.

He utilised both power and consistency to sweep to a 6-2 lead.

But Murray, the defending champion who beat Rafael Nadal in the semi-final, continued his good clay court form to fight back and win the second, 6-3.

Andy Murray fought hard but was ultimately outclassed by Novak Djokovic ©Getty Images
Andy Murray fought hard but was ultimately outclassed by Novak Djokovic ©Getty Images

Djokovic responded by raising his level once again, breaking for a 5-2 lead.

Murray served superbly to force his opponent to serve it out, which Djokovic duly did to take the decider, 6-3.

The result means Murray will lose his world number two ranking to Roger Federer when the new list is published despite the Swiss not playing the Spanish capital.

All three players will now head to the Rome Masters last this week, with Federer needing to reach the final to stay ahead of his British rival.

Djokovic now moves ahead of Nadal with a record 29 ATP Masters 1000 titles.