Novak Djokovic wins 4th straight title at ATP finals

“Novak has had a tremendous year and this match will be really hard”. Thank Djokovic’s genius for that.

But Djokovic had a near-perfect performance as he beat Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-3 in their semifinal clash on Saturday.

The world No 1 easily beat the Spaniard in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 to reach his fourth consecutive World Tour final in a row. “For me the main goal is to try to arrive in good shape next year”.

Federer has inflicted half of those defeats on Djokovic this year, including in the group stages here on Tuesday.

Asked about his ambitions for next season, the world No 1 said: “It has been the best season of my life”.

Their 2014 semifinal lasted just 12 minutes short of three hours, with Wawrinka failing to take four match points before Federer sealed a 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(6) victory. Congratulations to Roger, it was another epic match today and I hope you enjoy your time off with your family. Though Wawrinka trails 3-17 in the head to head against Roger Federer, he will be looking to fight it out and make the most of his fantastic shotmaking, especially his backhand. He doesn’t plan to be a no-show this year. Although Wawrinka got one of those wins just this year at Roland Garros, he just did not have enough in him to reach his first year-end championships final. I’ll give it all I have.

With Nadal already in the semi-finals and Ferrer going home after two defeats, the clash of the Spaniards had no impact on the tournament but the packed arena was treated to the longest match of the tournament so far.

“I’m trying to cherish every moment on court where I play at this level”. The next game went Djokovic’s way in less than 73 seconds, as he served his way to the hold. Even though Nadal tallied more games Saturday, it seemed less close.

Federer, bidding for a record-extending seventh title at the year-ender, was staring at the abyss when he trailed 3-4 0-40 in the second set but escaped with five straight points.

The Djoker got another chance as Federer served to stay in the tournament, though, as the Swiss star afforded him two match points after yet more unforced errors into the net. He broke again with a backhand cross-court victor, a shot that has tormented the 14-time grand slam victor, to wrap up proceedings.

“Obviously, after 46 matches and 10 years of professional tennis, I managed to tie my head-to-head score with Nadal”, Djokovic told reporters. I didn’t expect to play that well, to be here tonight, honestly, being number four, winning one Grand Slam, semi-final again.

Indeed, given his recent form, if anyone other than Djokovic is on the other side of the net, he would like his chances. He’s winning by one match.

He knows the danger Federer presents.

The Serbian made his breakthrough in the third game of the final and Federer just could not find the consistency he needed to counter his opponent’s relentless excellence.