Novak fends off Roger
Novak Djokovic produced a masterful display to end Roger Federer's reign as ATP Tour Finals champion as the world number one swept to a 7-6 (8/6), 7-5 victory in the final on Monday.
Djokovic underlined why he will finish as the world's top ranked player for the second successive year as the Serb withstood an early barrage from Federer in both sets before overwhelming the six-time Tour Finals winner in an epic encounter lasting two hours and 14 minutes at London's O2 Arena.
The 25-year-old's brilliant display clinched his second triumph at the prestigious season-ending event and his first since 2008 when he won the title in Shanghai.
After winning the Australian Open in January and then falling short in the following three Grand Slams -- he lost in the finals of the French and US Opens -- this was the perfect way to end any debate about Djokovic's right to be regarded as the world's best.
"It's always a privilege and a challenge to play Roger," Djokovic said. "I want to thank my team, I couldn't have done it without you. I love you!"
For Federer, bidding for a hattrick of Tour Finals titles, there was only frustration as he failed to take advantage of some dominant spells.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion is the most successful player in the history of the event, having won more titles and recorded more match wins than anyone else.
But even he couldn't subdue the rampant Djokovic, who handed Federer just his second defeat in eight appearances in the final of the Tour Finals and only his third ever loss at the O2 Arena.
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