Masterful Djokovic

In this fascinating yet weird tournament that ends the men ATP calendar for 2008, Serbian Novak Djokovic played his second match in a week against Nikolay Davydenko, improving this funny stat to 2 to none. Contrary to their first meeting which Nole had to struggle winning 75 in the third set, the final was a one way match with the Russian unable to cope with Djokovic power.
Novak year terminates with an astonishing and convincing victory that now place him only 10 points behind Roger Federer second place in the South African Airways ranking. In theory Djokovic could easily gain those remaining points winning one of the Challengers left before the year ending, granting himself more money from the sponsors and the number 2 seed in the next Australian Open where he will be the defending champion. Davydenko, who had some ups and downs during the year, finished with a consistent tournament that grants him to terminate the year in the best 5 for the fourth consecutive season.
Previously last week world number one Rafael Nadal had to withdraw from the Shanghai Masters because of a knee injury that will also prevent him to challenge Argentina in this week Davis Cup final. Former champion Roger Federer lost two matches in the Round Robin against Simon and Murray and left the tournament before the semi-finals.

• The interview after the victory