Roger Federer celebrates after being presented with two awards — the Fans’ Favourite award and the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship award — following his 6-4, 6-2 victory over Tomas Berdych in their men’s singles group stage match on Day One of the ATP World Tour Finals in London on Monday. — AFP
Novak Djokovic made a flying start to his bid for a record fourth successive ATP Tour Finals title with a 6-1, 6-1 rout of Japan’s Kei Nishikori, while Roger Federer cruised to a 6-4, 6-2 win against Tomas Berdych on Sunday.
Defending champion Djokovic and six-time winner Federer have dominated the prestigious season-ending event for the last decade, lifting the trophy eight times between them in the last nine years.
Djokovic arrived at London’s O2 Arena hoping to win the title for a fifth time and in the process become the first player to lift the trophy four years in a row.
The world number one showed why he is the firm favourite to do just that, demolishing Nishikori in 65 minutes to record his 23rd successive win and his 79th victory in 84 matches this year.
With two more group ties remaining against Federer and Berdych, Djokovic’s stroll by the banks of the River Thames was a significant statement of intent to his rivals.
Meanwhile Federer, the oldest Tour Finals qualifier since Andre Agassi in 2005, is undeniably in the twilight of his career, yet the 34-year-old is in the hunt for a semifinal berth once again after easing past Berdych in 69 minutes.
To cap an enjoyable day, he was presented with an award as the fans’ favourite player in 2015 and he said: “I enjoy getting awards, especially the ones that are awarded by the fans. I have always sought perfection. I look forward to your support next year, and the year after that, and the year after that.”
