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Djokovic thrashes Davydenko to win Masters
World number three Novak Djokovic thrashed Russia's Nikolay Davydenko 6-1 7-5 in the Masters Cup final today to lift his second major trophy this year.
World number three Novak Djokovic thrashed Russia's Nikolay Davydenko 6-1 7-5 in the Masters Cup final today to lift his second major trophy this year.
The Australian Open champion fizzed through most of the match at a packed Qi Zhong Stadium and snuffed out a late revival as he ended a six-month title drought at the lucrative season finale.
Djokovic, who becomes the first Serbian year-end champion and takes home 1.24 million dollars in prize money, also moves to within just 10 points of Roger Federer's second rankings spot.
"I certainly put it at the level of the Grand Slams. It's a great achievement for me, I'm so happy," Djokovic said.
With defending champion Federer knocked out and top-ranked Rafael Nadal injured, it was up to Djokovic to add a dash of
class to the final and he duly delivered in a clinical first set.
The 21-year-old Serb was immediately spraying backhands past Davydenko and he broke at the first attempt when the Russian netted. Davydenko was in deep trouble when he mis-hit a backhand to go 4-0 down.
Djokovic lifted a perfect lob over Davydenko, who managed just six points in the first five games before finally holding serve 5-1. The Serb briefly wobbled as he served for the set, saving two break points before going ahead after just 32 minutes.
The fifth-ranked Davydenko unfroze at the start of the second set and he won a peach of a point with a savage approach shot and tightly angled backhand volley.
But the Russian's shoulders slumped again as he hit an easy smash wide and was broken again as the backhand volley failed him.
