Powerhouse Djokovic downs Nadal in ATP finale
Serb's precision hitting sees him beat the world No 1 in straight sets at London's O2 Arena
The message from Novak Djokovic could not have been more emphatic after the Serb retained his title at the ATP World Tour Finals with a crushing victory over Rafa Nadal on Monday.
Nadal deservedly ends the year on top of the rankings after an incredible comeback from injury but Djokovic delivered an ominous show of force at the O2 Arena, running the man who replaced him as world number one ragged.
It was a one hour, 36 minute masterclass in power and precision from Djokovic and if anything the 6-3 6-4 scoreline flattered Nadal, who spent most of the match dancing to his opponent’s tune.
After a week of sell-out crowds at the spectacular Thames-side arena it was fitting that the world’s top two players should meet for the 39th time in the most prolific rivalry in the modern era and one that is eclipsing the great battles between Nadal and Roger Federer.
Both players had won all their round-robin matches before cruising through Sunday’s semi-finals.
Nadal was bidding to land the title for the first time to cap a year that saw him roar back to the top of the rankings with 10 titles, including the US Open and French Open, while Djokovic was finishing the season like a runaway steamroller since losing to Nadal in the Flushing Meadows final.