Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer to win ATP World title

Novak Djokovic claimed the ATP World
Tour Finals title after securing a 7-6
(8-6) 7-5 victory over Roger Federer at
the O2 Arena.
Federer dominated the start of each
set but the world No 1 showed all of
his battling qualities to come back on
both occasions and complete the
victory in two hours and 14 minutes.
Wimbledon champion Federer was
masterful in patches but could not
sustain his brilliance throughout the
match and it was Djokovic who
stepped up in the crucial moments.
The top seed, who took the spoils at
the season-ending event for a second
time, went through the tournament
unbeaten to take home a bumper prize
cheque of $1.7 million.
A rout looked like it could be on the
cards in the opening stages as Federer
made an ominous start, winning the
first nine points of the match to move a
break up.
But Djokovic quickly grew into the
contest and was soon going toe-to-toe
with his opponent from the baseline,
managing to hold serve in the fourth
game before breaking his opponent
back in the next.
And it was Djokovic who moved a
break ahead following a marathon
ninth game before being pegged back
while serving for the set, putting things
on course for a tie-break.
In the breaker Federer saved a set
point with an outrageous forehand
winner but Djokovic converted his next
opportunity to edge ahead after 72
minutes of captivating tennis.
The opening game of the second set
lasted 10 minutes and was won against
serve by Federer, who kept his nose in
front through some testing moments
only to be broken back while serving
for the set.
And Djokovic struck again in Federer's
next service game, smashing a
backhand winner down the line on
championship point to get across the
line.