Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic has defeated Roger Federer ending the Swiss legend’s reign as ATP Tour Finals champion after winning 7-6 (8/6), 7-5 on Monday. After this remarkable win, Djokovic is all set to become the World No. 1 player for a second year straight. It was the first ever defeat for Federer after winning ATP Masters for a record six times.
Meanwhile, the Serb mustered all this strength to ouster the defending champion in two hours and 14 minutes at London's O2 Arena. The 25-year-old's magnificent gameplay clinched his second triumph at the coveted season-ending championship and his first since 2008 when he won the title in Shanghai.
After Djokovic won the Australian Open in January and then just missing following three Grand Slams by a whisker -- he was defeated in the finals of the French and US Opens -- this was the fitting reply to all his critics and the Serb’s claim to be considered as the world's best.
As far as Federer is regarded, bidding for a hat-trick of Tour Finals titles, there was only anguish as he failed to take advantage of some iconic spells. Spectators were given a full feast for their eyes and reminded again that how exciting it would when the game is played with sheer class from both sides.
Playing against a player who is 17-time Grand Slam champion and being regarded as the most successful player in the history of the tennis ever since the open era began, Djokovic must have surprised tennis fans by displaying immense grit and determination. For the record, Federer even have got more titles and recorded more match wins than anyone else.
But even all these records and titles cannot tame the determined Djokovic, who defeated Federer just a defeat for the second time in eight appearances in the final of the Tour Finals and only his third ever loss at the O2 Arena.
It was also just the fourth time in the 43-year history of the Tour Finals, the top two seeded players in the world rankings were pitted against each other in the final and they produced a scintillating clash that lived up to the expectations.
Earlier, it was Federer who was the favorite as he cruised into the final with an enigmatic display of skills against Andy Murray and set up the momentum after he left off with a rollicking start.
He directed winners past the Serb from all angles on the court to take the first nine points of the match, breaking in the second game in the process.
After containing that mammoth assault, Djokovic got on the scoreboard gradually when he held serve in the fourth game.
Federer must have little known then that Djokovic will never give up with the Serb turning the match on its head when he converted a break point in the next game.
Eventually, the day belonged to Djokovic all the way with the ascendancy and he broke for a 5-4 lead when he drew cheers and support from his fans with searing forehand winner on the run.
