Qatar Open: Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in semi-finals

“I know nobody playing tennis like this ever”, said Nadal, which suggested that not even Roger Federer, in his prime, could have matched the Serb.

Going into the final, Djokovic and Nadal were tied at 23 wins apiece in their career matchups, the most between any players in ATP history. But I missed a little of 2015, but my level picked up later in the season and I’ve started this year well.

The Qatar ExxonMobil Open is a tune-up event for the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, the Australian Open, which gets underway on January 18. I’m not the only one who has done that. “Obviously easier said than done but the way I played today gives me confidence and satisfaction playing against Rafa, a great feeling”.

Nadal managed to hold serve in the next game, but Djokovic finished things on his own serve in the next game, finding his 30th victor to grab his first trophy of the year.

He also held the advantage in the rallies, where Nadal struggled to put distance on his shots and push Djokovic out of the court. “I’m just looking forward to a great battle”.

It means Djokovic is still to drop a set all week in four matches.

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

The Serb continued his recent dominance of the 14-time Grand Slam victor with a ninth victory in 10 meetings – the last five in straight sets.

Despite initially being a break up, Nadal lost a see-saw second set as Kuznetsov’s powerful forehands brought him back into the match.

World No. 1 Djokovic progressed through to the final after overcoming Tomas Berdych in a bruising encounter, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3). Nadal, meanwhile, is the reigning doubles champion, having taken the title a year ago with partner Juan Monaco of Argentina. “You never know how these things go”.

Nadal took just 35 minutes to claim the opening set and, despite losing the opening game of the second set, broke to love midway through to claim a 6-4 6-3 win.

“I don’t think it’s too serious”, said Djokovic.

On the other hand, Berdych, the third seed in the tournament, booked a date with Djokovic in the semifinal after running away with a 6-3, 6-2 win against Kyle Edmund in the quarterfinal.

Any hope of a typical comeback from Nadal was fully extinguished in the fifth game when Djokovic broke a second time to go 4-1 ahead.