Novak Djokovic has become the first player is history to win four consecutive titles at the ATP Finals following a 6-3, 6-4, win over 3rd seed Roger Federer.
The encounter at the O2 Arena was the 44th meeting between the two players with Federer narrowly leading the head-to-head 22-21 going into the match. After seeing his 23-match winning streak come to an end earlier this week due to a loss to Federer, Djokovic was eager to seek redemption and grab his 11th title of 2015.
The match got underway with a tentative start by the 17-time Grand Slam champion. A backhand slice into the net from Federer handed the world No.1 an opportunity to immediately break, but he failed to seize the opportunity, prompting a cheer from the army of Federer fans. It was evident how much both men wanted the year-end crown. Like the Swiss, Djokovic also endured a roller-coaster opening serving game by saving a break point before leveling at 1-1. The trend of break point’s continued in the third game after an elegant passing shot from the top seed. This time the Serbian was successful when a forehand from Federer crashed into the net, allowing Djokovic to grab the first break of the match. Djokovic was able to consolidate the break with a 118mph ace to intensify the pressure on his 34-year-old opponent.
Watch this lesson in serving from @djokernole – deuce court, ad court #finalshowdown https://t.co/kRsZ9udpkC https://t.co/8ieOwAh0YQ
— TennisTV (@TennisTV) November 22, 2015
Despite having the advantage, Djokovic was still getting bombarded with some outstanding Federer shots. Despite the Swiss players’ best efforts, the top seed kept himself in front to surge to 5-3. As the set progressed, Federer was still troubled with nerves, despite playing in the final of the event for the 10th time of his career. An unsuccessful approach at the net, which resulted in an unforced error, gave Djokovic two set points. After failing the first time, the Serbian was handed the set after unforced error No.16 bounced off of Federer’s racket. The encounter was in danger of becoming a straightforward task for Djokovic, surprising many considering Federer’s recent triumph earlier in the tournament. Fortunately for Federer and his fans in the packed O2 Arena, the series of break points eroded as both men appeared more consistent in their service games with the aid of some world class shots.
Savour this oil-painting of a @rogerfederer backhand #finalshowdown https://t.co/kRsZ9udpkC https://t.co/pDdc6jGCN4 — TennisTV (@TennisTV) November 22, 2015
After seven games, it was hard to establish which player was the most dominant on the court. The display by both men justified why they were there as the crowd repeatedly produced deafening cheers for both men. Djokovic seemed on course to secure the title after having a triple chance for a set and 5-3 lead after producing a forehand winner to get three break point opportunities. Federer other had other reservations as he battled back by winning five straight points to level at 4-4.
Watch @RogerFederer come out on top of this thrilling rally #finalshowdown https://t.co/kRsZ9udpkC https://t.co/x7wAgaC83d
— TennisTV (@TennisTV) November 22, 2015
Despite the encouraging signs from the Swiss player, Djokovic responded in the next gave by holding to love for the first time in the match. With four points separating Djokovic from the title, Federer faltered during an epic rally to go down 0-30. Two points late another error at the net was fatal for the Swiss hopes as the top seed had his first two championship points. The clash ended in a way that neither player wanted, a double fault from Federer in what was only his second of the match.
The year-end victory means that Djokovic finished the season with 11 titles – 3 Grand Slams, 6 Masters, 1 ATP 500 and 1 year-end championship title. The title has earned Djokovic $2,228,000 and 1500 emirates ranking points. On the other hand for Federer, the loss has destroyed his chances of finishing the year second in the world. That position will go to Andy Murray.
Djokovic ends 2015 31-5 win-loss against top 10 players which is a 86.1% winning rate.
