Djokovic has been the man to beat this season, winning the Australian Open in January and following that up with three Masters titles in a row, beating world number one Nadal in the final each time.

Arguably the Serb's greatest achievement came last week when he beat Nadal on clay for the first time, a victory achieved in the Masters final in Spain.

Djokovic is now closing in on the world number one slot but although he describes that as an important objective, he said he covets the Wimbeldon crown the most.

"There's a difference between the dream I've had all my life and ambition," said the 23-year-old.

"My ambition is to be number one and my dream is to win Wimbledon. These are the two things I've wanted the most.

"But I don't complain about anything else that comes. Winning any Grand Slam is a great honour."

Djokovic played a pivotal role in Serbia winning the Davis Cup for the first time last year, and says that feat was one of the main reasons he has been in such top form this year.

"In some ways the Davis Cup final against France has given me a lot of confidence," he said.

"It was the start of the great run I'm on and it was a huge match for us, a historical match.

"It gave me a lot of energy, it was the best three days in my life as a tennis player, especially the Sunday when we won the Davis Cup.

"Nothing can compare with that feeling, it made me more motivated to come back on court and win matches."

Djokovic appears to be reaping the benefit of that success but he is cautious when asked if his victory over Nadal in Madrid could usher in a new era.

For many, Nadal's victory over Roger Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final is regarded as the moment the Swiss master gave up his crown as the best player in the world to the young pretender.

Beating Federer on his favourite surface was quite an achievement.

And that is what happened in Madrid on Sunday when Nadal lost on clay for the first time in almost two years -- since Robin Soderling beat him at the French Open in 2009.

But although he doesn't foresee an immediate changing of the guard, Djokovic does admit it was an important victory ahead of the French Open later this month.

"I can't predict anything, I'll try to stay with both feet on the ground and take care of what I do and my career.

"I'm not paying attention to other players and the success they have.

"It's definitely a big step in my career to win against Nadal in his country, on clay. I'd never done it before.

"It was important mentally, especially for the upcoming clay events."

As for the secret to his success, Djokovic says there is nothing more to it than hard work.

"I always had the quality to beat players on court but now I believe it more," he said.

"I definitely didn't expect to win every match I played in the first four or five months of 2011.

"It's been a long learning process for me but it's been hard work and dedication on this court every day of my life and now it's coming back."