Djokovic to meet Nadal in blockbuster Doha final

World No. 5 Rafael Nadal will attempt to capture his first ATP World Tour hard-court title in two years on Saturday when he faces top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the Qatar Open final.

Nadal advanced to his career 99th final after defeating Illya Marchenko of Ukraine 6-3, 6-4.

Novak Djokovic made a winning start to the new year with a convincing victory over Rafael Nadal in the Qat ar ExxonMobil Open final.

This marked Djokovic’s 16th straight final – and 12th title – since he lost in the Qatar Open quarterfinals previous year.

In the process, Djokovic won his sixth consecutive ATP World Tour title and became the 10th player to achieve the 60-titles milestone. He wrapped up the match after 73 minutes, striking a total 30 winners to just 13 unforced errors.

Dedicating the falcon-shaped trophy to his grandfather, Djokovic said: “This trophy reminds me of someone who was very close to me, but who is no longer here”. The Serbian player has enjoyed his one of the best years in his career. Djokovic came up with all the answers to prevail in one hour and 42 minutes. Holder Petra Kvitova and second seed Agnieszka Radwanska are the latest stars to have troubled buildups to the Australian Open after pulling out of the Sydney International.

At 24-23, Djokovic holds a career edge against the Spaniard for the first time.

Djokovic had his grip on the match right from the start, it only got firmer as the match progressed. I played one of my best matches ever.

The Swiss dropped just two points on serve through the first set, but Federer showed signs of fatigue in the second.

“I played against a player who did everything flawless”, Nadal said. One more time, the tennis fans will see one of the greatest rivalries and that too in the Qatar Open 2016 final to be played in Doha today.

He added: “For sure is important for me for my confidence, confirm that the end of 2015 season had been something realistic and this beginning of 2016 I am still playing well, so I’m able to already won four matches here and be in the final”. After his historic 2015, I see no reason to believe that he will be any less great this season.

Djokovic took a few rallies to warm up-the first game comprised 10 points-and Nadal grabbed the initiative against the Serb’s serve to bring up an immediate break point. Having finished at 1.47am local time, it was fitting that during the presentation ceremony chairs were brought onto court for both players to enjoy a well-deserved sit down.