But as this year draws to a close it is clear that there is only one name that matters these days; from the Big Four has emerged the one and only: Novak Djokovic.
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Hoisting the title trophy high in the air was about the only time all day the world No. 1 took his eyes off the prize and soaked up his surroundings. The 34-year-old trounced Tomas Berdych, upset Djokovic, and held off Kei Nishikori 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 on Thursday afternoon. Playing at the peak of his powers, Djokovic struck cleanly delivering a commanding curtain call to an absurdly successful season.
Djokovic, 28, ends the season with 11 title victories, including three grand slams – and it was decision making on court which caused the outcome at the O2 Arena, according to Federer.
“I’m obviously very proud to have these achievements with my team”. “This could not have been a better finish. It’s been a long season, but the best of my life”. “Without the support (of my team) and my family, I wouldn’t be where I am”.
“I am enjoying every moment on the court, I cherish every moment after dreaming of it as a kid”, Djokovic told BBC Sport.
It will be a rematch of last year’s ill-fated final where Federer was forced to withdraw before a ball was struck due to injury.
The defeat by Federer on Tuesday had been his first indoors since 2012, but Djokovic responded in simply irresistible style as he despatched first Rafael Nadal and then, in the final, Federer.
Federer, bidding for a record-extending seventh title at the year-ender, was staring at the abyss when he trailed 3-4, 0-40 in the second set, but escaped by winning five straight points. “But I think the way to beat him is the way Roger plays him and that is mixing it up with coming in”. He was awesome and impossible to play against in the decisive moments of matches. “I returned better, made him play more shots”.
The serve set the tone. But perhaps his serving was the most effective element of the game: he made 16 of 19 second serves. Djokovic broke the Federer serve for a second time late to capture the opening set 6-3. But the performance (against Nadal) definitely gives me reason to believe that I’ll do that. I tried my best this week, . I played great on clay, as well. Congratulations on a ridiculous year. But Djokovic wore down his opponent and the 17-time Grand Slam double faulted on his second break point.
Djokovic has now levelled his head-to-head record with Federer for the first time in his career, at 22-22.
It was a re-match of the Wimbledon and US Open finals – and a repeat of the result. “It will be a ideal ending only if I win”. Federer sparkled on occasion- finding the touch with his divine backhand a couple of times, saving a clutch of break points to extend the contest on another. Djokovic’s serve was solid again and although he did not hit as many clear winners – six to eight – he took two of his four opportunities to break and did the job in 39 minutes.
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Federer on the hand felt that he would’ve liked to have served better in the match and despite losing in straight sets, felt that it was a high-quality match.
