Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2016: Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal Score and Reaction

Djokovic was ruthless in his destruction of Nadal as he raced to a 6-1 6-2 victory in 73 minutes, giving the world number one his 60th Tour title and a 24th victory over his long-term rival.

2015 was the year for celebrations to Djokovic while it was a year to forget about for Nadal as he failed to win a single grand slam because of his injuries which didn’t let him past it. However, as the last year approached its end, the Spaniard looks like returning to his form.

Marchenko, the world number 94, was by no means disgraced in his first ever match against Nadal.

“That’s where I’m hoping I can continue this run and this great level of performance”, he added. And past year I lost a lot of matches like today’s match.

Nadal has won 67 career titles, including 14 grand slams.

Djokovic and Nadal are tied at 23 matches apiece in their career head-to-head. “From the very beginning I managed to get every shot the way I wanted”, said Djokovic, who received the falcon-themed trophy from 2004 French Open champion Gaston Gaudio and a cheque of 201,165.

Andy Murray and Roger Federer are certain that Novak Djokovic is the favourite for the Australian Open after his crushing victory over Rafael Nadal.

There were rallies in the first game of the second set. “So I think he would be traveling with me to Australia soon and maybe next time I may beat Novak with him (by my side)”.

The Serbian is now at 16 straight finals in the calendar year, only two short of German Ivan Lendl’s Open Era record of 18. Nadal certainly didn’t play badly and found plenty of room to fire his patented backhand down the line, but the Serb handled it remarkably well.

In the second set, neither player could muster a break but it was Djokovic who took a commanding lead in the tiebreak to move into his first Doha final. “I’ve come here three times now and three times I’ve made the final, so I’m very happy”. It was 6-1 in no time and the set was in Djokovic’s pocket.

Nadal’s serve dominated throughout against a player who had knocked out the reigning champion and number four seed David Ferrer in round one.

“I’m not going to tell you too much, but it was tough in a way”, Federer said of his illness.

He said, though, that his priorities on the court are to win the Australian Open and to defend his Olympic title in Rio later this year.

“I’m playing the tennis of my life, and I will try to nurture and cherish those moments on the court”.