Novak Djokovic opens ATP World Tour Finals defence with win over Kei Nishikori
Sunday 15 November 2015 18:48, UK
Novak Djokovic enjoyed a comfortable 6-1 6-1 win over Kei Nishikori in the ATP World Tour Finals opener at the O2 Arena for his 79th victory of the 2015 season.
It was a 15th straight win for the Serb at the year-ending tournament - a record in the competition's 45-year history.
The world No 1 oozed confidence as he talked about his display, saying: "I think I was at my best.
"Undoubtedly it's been an incredible performance that I was hoping I can have coming into the match, coming into this tournament where I've had a great record in the last couple of years.
"Reflecting back on those memories of course gives me more confidence, more comfort coming into every single match."
Prior to the pair's seventh meeting, Djokovic and Nishikori observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic events in Paris on Friday night.
Once under way, it took just 65 minutes to secure an emphatic win as Djokovic got off to the perfect start in the Group Stan Smith.
Djokovic secured an early break in the first set and could have gone 4-0 up, but Nishikori stopped the rot, saving break point with a lovely passing shot down the line before holding serve.
However, the Serb broke once again shortly after. With Nishikori looking to mix up his shots, a back-hand slice failed to make it over the net to gift the Serb a second break for 5-1.
After Djokovic won five successive games to take a 2-0 lead in the second set, the Japanese showed great resolve to hold serve at 2-1.
But two further breaks at 3-1 and 5-1 ensured Djokovic got off to the best possible start in the London tournament, while securing his 23rd successive win this season.
Nishikori has qualified for the tournament for a second straight year but he is struggling with an abdominal problem.
The Japanese player said: "He played unbelievable tennis. I'm very ashamed with this score, but I have two more matches."
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