Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal to win ATP World Tour Finals
LONDON: 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.
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.
Apart from a few jaw-dropping rallies, however, the fireworks were confined to those that lit up the court as Djokovic got his hands on the trophy named in honour of the late ATP executive chairman Brad Drewett, who died this year.
“Look, the year-end number one is deservedly in Nadal’s hands because he had two grand slam wins, the best season out of all players, the most titles,” said Djokovic, who in capturing the title for a third time stretched his winning run to 22.
“But next to the run that I had in 2011, this is definitely the second best I’ve had,” he told reporters.
“The most positive thing that I can take from this two and a half months is the fact that I managed to regroup after a few big losses after Nadal, especially Roland Garros, U.S. Open final and Wimbledon final,” he said.
“I’ve worked harder and played better, become an even more skilful player. This is definitely the best possible way that I can finish the season,” added Djokovic, who next week will lead Serbia against the Czech Republic in the Davis Cup final.
Nadal tried to put a brave face on his defeat. “I think at the beginning he was playing much better than me, the first three games no doubt,” the Spaniard said.
