The world No. 1 showed why he is the firm favorite to do just that, demolishing Nishikori in 65 minutes in the tournament’s opening match to record his 23rd successive win and his 79th victory in 84 matches this year.
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It was straightforward enough for Djokovic, beating his opponent 6-1, 6-1 on the opening day of the tournament, meaning that he has not lost at the venue since 2011. Few players can. Djokovic holds to 15 and closes out the first set in comprehensive style in just over 30 minutes.
It has been an incredible year for Djokovic, who fell one victory short of a Grand Slam.
Murray is looking to finish as the year end world number two for the first time in his career, Federer chases his seventh season finale crown and Nadal looks to make a statement by winning this event for the first time.
“No question, it felt like the best tennis I played this year”, the 28-year-old, aiming for a fourth consecutive title at the O2 Arena, told reporters. “I m very ashamed with this score, but I still have two more matches”. I was very consistent with my results, 2011 and 2015 definitely stand out.
Before Djokovic took on Nishikori to begin play at the O2 Arena, there was a moment of silence for the victims of terrorism in nearby Paris. I’ve had that great joy to win a first Grand Slam when I was 21 years old.
He has the experience and the history in London, and although it has been four years since his last title, he has not lost to anyone other than Djokovic or Nadal (or an out-of-action Juan Martin del Potro) at the Tour Championships since 2009.
Most of the interest in that group will focus on former Wimbledon champion Murray, who has made it clear his main priority is Great Britain’s attempt to win the Davis Cup for the first time since 1936. I didn’t have many this year on the tennis court, that’s for sure.
Novak Djokovic, as expected, continues to look invincible as the season he regards as his “best ever” moves with the momentum of a runaway truck towards its conclusion in London this week. He faced Tomas Berdych, the No 6 seed, and while the Czech was a break to the good early, the veteran’s crafty play was soon making Berdych pay.
“It’s nice to have to be able to go back to and analyse what you were thinking before and during a particular match, and what you can learn from that”.
Despite their success, this will be Murray and Peers’ final tournament together, with both having lined up new partners for next season, a decision they insist was mutual. With his serve working like clockwork and his volleying skills more in evidence he will be the favourite to stop Djokovic.
“He played unbelievable tennis”. To add to this, there’s also the subtle-yet-impactful fact of him being the two-time defending – and three-time overall – champion in London.
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“Many different factors have happened in order for me to be where I am at this stage”.
