World number one Novak Djokovic took just one hour and six minutes to record a 6-1 6-1 victory over Kei Nishikori in the opening group encounter of the ATP World Tour Finals at London’s O2 Arena this afternoon.
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Djokovic also defeated Nishikori in three sets at the semifinals in London a year ago, before receiving a walkover in the final that gave him his third straight title and fourth overall at the ATP’s prestigious year-end event.
“There is not a single thing that I can say is the secret, an elixir or potion, I’ve realized a holistic approach to life and tennis helps me and gives me the best results”. I think he has a good plan.
Meanwhile, Roger Federer hit 20 aces in overcoming Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-2 in the second singles match in Group Stan Smith on Sunday and will play his 43rd career match against Djokovic on Tuesday.
The world No 1 oozed confidence as he talked about his display, saying: “I think I was at my best”.
Djokovic and Nishikori had already bowed for a minute’s silence at the beginning of the match at London’s O2 Arena as the red white and blue of the French tricolore illuminated advertising hoardings and big screens around the venue.
The Swiss dropped his opening service game but broke straight back before adding the decisive break in the ninth game on his way to the set.
Since losing to Djokovic in last week’s Paris Masters final he has practised mainly on clay in readiness for Davis Cup duty in Ghent. I stopped for a few years, because I got lazy but my wife suggested I restart. “I guess I just feel more complete in terms of my ability to handle the emotions on the court, not having so many ups and downs in the tough matches”.
For all his linguistic excellence – you can not imagine many other players whose mother tongue is not English coming out with the word “elixir” – Djokovic has always appeared reluctant to go into details about his training regime, in which two key men feature.
Roger Federer believes tennis players should undergo more anti-doping tests to ensure the sport does not suffer the problems that have plunged athletics into crisis. It’s lots to look forward to, obviously starting with today. It was a great match, a really exciting match.
“We’re really happy to win and really excited to move on in the tournament”.
“I think my serve was the key”.
“We want to make the most of our time here”.
It was nip and tuck all the way through but a crucial mini-break for 10-9 left Murray serving for victory, and a smash from Peers proved too hot for the Italians to handle.
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But the 25-year-old has been unable to build on that success during a frustrating year that reached its lowest ebb with an embarrassing US Open first round exit.
