Novak Djokovic’s already brilliant season took on another dimension yesterday when the world number one became the first man to win six Masters titles in a calendar year by dismissing Andy Murray 6-2 6-4 in Paris.
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With 10 titles in 2015, he is four ahead of Roger Federer. “Nobody can be flawless, but if you are going for the perfection, you might reach excellence”. Djokovic, who clinched his place among the field back in early June, has a 23-9 record at the World Tour Finals and has not been beaten in his past three appearances, lifting the trophy the past three years as he seeks his fourth straight year-end title.
After the Tour finals, Murray will play the Davis Cup Final as Britain face Belgium in Ghent from November 26-29.
He added: “I will do that through until Thursday, and then start practising over at the O2 probably on Friday”.
Wawrinka received a huge roar from the Paris crowd after holding to love with a volley at the net, but a thrilling third set never happened.
“I have no regrets, I gave everything”, Wawrinka said. “Hopefully I can finish off the season with another great win”.
In tomorrow’s final the second seed will take on either top seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic or French Open champion Stan Wawrinka.
Djokovic ended a quick final on his first match point when Murray returned wide.
His record against Djokovic now stands at nine wins from 30 meetings, while he has lost his last five clashes against Federer. His last was in August, when he beat Djokovic in the Rogers Cup final in Montreal.
Yes the likes of Wawrinka or Kei Nishikori can upset Djokovic in a one-off match, as can Federer, Nadal or Murray, but it’s hard to see any of those players winning enough majors over the next couple of years to really threaten Djokovic’s pre-eminence. “I think in terms of physical and mental ability, I reached my peak experience wise”.
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The seventh-seeded Spaniard appeared to be on his way out, but a risky forehand victor allowed him to save match point at 5-6 down in the second set tiebreak. Deploying his versatility, Murray used his crunching backhand, a few slick running strikes and even a serve-volley play fighting off three break points to navigate an 11-and-a-half minute hold for 2-3. Djokovic easily won the first set and broke serve in the opening game of the second, but from 0-2 down Wawrinka lifted his game to dizzying heights to reel off five straight games and frustrate the Serb into breaking one of his racquets.
