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Nadal hails ‘perfect’ Djokovic after Qatar defeat

It means Djokovic still has yet to drop a set all week in four matches. Williams is standing over everyone else, even after falling short of completing the calendar-year grand slam last year by losing the U.S. Open semifinals. Their matches are one of the most watched tennis games across the globe.

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Back in the days when Nadal was still sporting a muscle top and pirate trousers, Djokovic was simply an upcoming challenger to the Spaniard and the Queen’s Club was decked in Stella Artois red, these two played out a high-quality final in west London.

“I don’t see it as a hindrance, possible hindrance for (the) Australian Open“.

“I did a few good things, and I’m happy with the victory, being in the first final of the season in the first official tournament is something great”, Nadal said afterward, according to the ATP Tour website.

Berdych had a chance to go up a double-break but squandered two break points and it seemed to throw the Czech off as he was broken in game six and Djokovic ran away with the set. Djokovic leads for the first time at 24-23. “It’s much important because I know whom I am going to play against”.

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.

He posted 30 winners to only nine for Nadal in the 73-minute match.

The Djokovic-Nadal rivalry, one of the most prolific in tennis’ Open Era, is the only one to have involved the finals of all four Grand Slams.

AFTER a thoroughly convincing defeat at the hands of Novak Djokovic, world No. 5 Rafael Nadal delivered the highest praise to the Serb.

Prior to this tournament, he had never taken a set off a top 10 player but as well as beating Ferrer, the amiable Ukrainian also saw off France’s Jeremy Chardy and Russia’s Teymuraz Gabashvili, both well above him in the rankings.

With Williams’ perch secure, questions begin right behind her. Maria Sharapova, who lost to Williams in last year’s Australian Open final, played sparingly down the stretch last season with leg and forearm problems.

Finally clinching an elusive Australian Open crown is Andy Murray’s number one goal for the new year but the Brit concedes that his hopes of success at Melbourne Park may rest on champion Novak Djokovic having an off-day.

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“I don’t think it’s a major concern”. Whenever [my son] is awake I try to be helpful to my wife and spend time with him. “And Australia is a different story, different conditions”.

Novak Djokovic wins semifinal and will play Rafael Nadal in final of Qatar Open