Djokovic on fire ahead of final push

ON A 27-match unbeaten streak indoors, world No 1 Novak Djokovic is the man to beat at the Barclays ATP World Tour finals starting in London today.

The Serb comes into the O2 arena after winning his 20th ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown at the BNP Paribas Masters — his first tournament as a new father — and with a significant 1 310 points lead over Roger Federer in the battle to finish the year as world No 1.

“It definitely encourages me, the fact that I have played so well [in Paris] and that I have won the past four indoor tournaments I’ve played in the past two years,” said Djokovic, whose last defeat indoors came two years ago against Sam Querrey in the opening round at Paris Bercy.

“Outdoor hard court was my most successful and preferred surface, but now I guess it’s an indoor court.

“I do feel very comfortable playing, returning, serving in these conditions.”

The 27-year-old Djokovic is the two-time defending champion at the O2, having defeated Roger Federer in the 2012 final and Rafael Nadal last year.

He also lifted the trophy in 2008, when the season finale was staged in Shanghai.

“Two successive titles in London in the past two years give me reason to believe that I can do well,” said Djokovic, who is chasing his second title of the year in London after winning Wimbledon against Federer in July.

“I’m excited to be there [London], because I think it’s one of the most spectacular tennis venues that we have. People in London love tennis and have appreciation for this sport. So I look forward to that.”

Djokovic heads Group A and will open his bid tomorrow evening against US Open champion Marin Cilic, over whom he has a perfect 10-0 head-to-head record.

Also in Group A are Stanislav Wawrinka, who Djokovic leads 15-3, and Tomas Berdych, who Djokovic leads 16-2.

Second seed Roger Federer faces a clash in Group B with home favourite Andy Murray.

Murray and Federer have contested some titanic battles with 11 wins apiece. Former Wimbledon champion Mur- ray, who won three titles in the past six weeks to secure a place at the tournament after slipping down the rankings, missed last year’s tournament because of back surgery.

Milos Raonic, the first Canadian singles player to qualify for the showpiece event, and Japan’s Kei Nishikori, the first Asian-born man to qualify, complete the group.

World No 3 Rafael Nadal of Spain is missing, following surgery for appendicitis. —