Nadal advanced to his 99th career final after defeating Illya Marchenko of Ukraine 6-3 6-4.
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After suffering his worst career loss to Novak Djokovic yesterday in the Doha final, Rafael Nadal was looking at the positive.
In four matches played in 2015, Djokovic had four victories and whatever gains that Nadal had showed coming into this final was seriously exposed by the mastery and shot-making of the Serbian.
It means Djokovic is still to drop a set all week in four matches.
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 finished past year playing better and started again”. A couple of months ago, the Spanish player lost the ATP World Tour Finals against the same opponent.
He posted 30 winners to only nine for Nadal in the 73-minute match.
A devastating Djokovic was so strong today, he reduced Rafael Nadal to spectator status dispensing a 6-1, 6-2, thrashing in the Doha final to capture his 60th career championship. Getting stuck into Nadal’s serve on a regular basis, Djokovic looked set for victory when he broke for 6-5 in the third but he could not serve out and when he lost the ensuing tie-break, the momentum was with a pumped-up Nadal.
Nadal finally got on the board in the fourth game of the opening set, but any hopes of a comeback were crushed nearly immediately as Djokovic continued to play exquisite tennis. Another rally in the fifth game resulted in another break in favour of Djokovic and he was already 4-1 up.
Djokovic has claimed to be feeling fresher than ever and avoided exhibition tournaments before Qatar after a gruelling 2015 to ensure he started this year in good shape.
Djokovic admitted: “Every time we play, there is a lot at stake, it is always a great challenge”. Djokovic cruised, winning the match in straight sets 6-3, 6-3. “I know that it can’t go forever, but I’m not thinking too much ahead of myself”.
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. “The way I played today gives me a great deal of confidence and satisfaction to play against Rafa for the trophy”.
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Nadal cut a forlorn figure after the match and said he’d never seen anyone produce a performance like Djokovic’s. 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.
