德约科维奇击败费德勒夺冠

Novak Djokovic was taking on Roger Federer in the final. The 17,000 crowd inside the O2 Stadium created an electric atmosphere as the dream showdown unfolded. It was only the fourth time in the tournament’s history that the world’s top two players had contested the final and it did not disappoint.

The Swiss world No. 2 was seeking a record-extending seventh title, and he reached the title match for the eighth time in 11 appearances at the ATP Finals. Federer leads Djokovic 16-12 in their head-to-head series. Djokovic, who has finished year-end No. 1 in the world rankings for the second straight year, would look to win his second title at the tournament following his first win in 2008.

Federer has been all but unbeatable in the O2 Arena since it began hosting the tournament in 2009 and was seeking a hat-trick there. The Swiss maestro with his all smooth movement and silky skills went to a 3-1 lead in the opening set.

The top-ranked Serb rebounded to get back into the match 4-all, and then the set went to tie-break. Djokovic was holding his second set point, and he hit a forehand drop shot and the second-ranked Swiss chased it down and whacked a forehand winner to level the score at 6-6. The London crowd love this spectacular shot.

But Djokovic was the one celebrating, ending the set with a forehand winner on his third set point. The second set followed the same pattern, with Federer leading first and Djokovic coming back on the track for the title. The Serb closed it out with a backhand passing winner to seal the victory.

It was Djokovic’s second trophy at the year-end tournament, his first was in Shanghai four years ago. The 25-year-old Serb said his ailing father’s struggle with serious illness had inspired him to beat Federer in the final.

Novak Djokovic said, "Throughout the whole season I’ve had lots of success and had some disappointing losses at big events, in a couple major finals. But, you know, all in all, it was a fantastic year, you know, where I’ve had to face a lot of difficulties off the court as well. And you know, especially coming into this tournament, having my father fighting his own fight, you know, for health gave me extra strength that, you know, I wanted to play for him in a way and that’s one of the reasons I really gave it all every match, especially tonight. This was a title for him."