The Spaniard missed a simple backhand down the line which would have given him two more break points.
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That chance came when Berdych opened the door by botching a simple volley on game point in the sixth game, an error that changed the momentum of the contest and led to Djokovic getting the set back on serve and then winning it a few games later. Nadal managed to contain the damage and pull level at deuce, but Djokovic eventually pulled ahead, despite a challenge from Nadal.
Turning his shoulders into his shots, Djokovic spread the court effectively breaking serve as Nadal could not land his first serve.
Smacking his lips on an ace at 30-15 in the game three, Djokovic served powerfully once again to race to a 3-0 lead in the title clash watched by Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola from the VIP enclosure.
“I played pretty much flawless tennis today”.
Nadal told atptour.com: “Being in the first final of the season in the first official tournament is something great”.
Saturday’s final will reignite one of the greatest rivalries of modern tennis.
With the Australian Open starting on January 18, Andy Murray, Roger Federer, and co. may be anxious about the world number one’s impressive form.
Meanwhile, Djokovic overcame losing his serve in the first two games of each set to beat his Argentina opponent.
Playing near-perfect tennis, top seed Djokovic won 6-1, 6-2 in just 73 minutes of exhilarating tennis at a packed Khalifa Tennis Complex.
Djokovic has been the man of the honor as he has beaten Nadal in some of the last matches.
And while his achievements in 2015 will take some topping, the manner of Djokovic’s latest success suggests he is in no mood to let his level drop this year.
Djokovic saved a break point with a forehand crosscourt, working through a six-minute opener to hold with an ace. Nadal asked the fan yelling advice in his direction during the second set.
He added that he was playing the best tennis of his career: “It did feel as close to perfection as it can get”.
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“It gives me a lot of confidence and satisfaction, particularly against Rafa”. He needs it as he will be going to defend his Australian Open title as the tournament is going to start soon in Melbourne.
