Djokovic hails 'best ever season' after record triumph

The World number one says this is the best season of his life

LONDON: Novak Djokovic hailed his historic fourth successive ATP Tour Finals title as a dream come true after the world number one finished his astonishing campaign by routing Roger Federer in Sunday's final.

Djokovic is the first player to win the season-ending event four years in a row and his 6-3, 6-4 win over Federer was the perfect way to cap a year in which he won three Grand Slam crowns and eight other titles.

After hoisting the trophy, the 28-year-old Serb admitted he sometimes has to pinch himself to realise he is actually winning the tournaments he dreamed of playing in as a child.

"I am enjoying every moment on the court. I cherish every moment after dreaming of it as a kid," said Djokovic.



"Obviously I'm very proud, together with my team, for the achievements of the season.

"It could not have been a better finish. It's been a long season, but the best of my life."

Djokovic's imperious display was inspired by his loss against Federer in the group stages of this year's event.

That straight sets defeat ended Djokovic's 23-match winning run and he revealed he decided to change his game-plan against the Swiss great to avoid a repeat in the final.



"He was the better player in the match he won against me in the group stage. I had to change something," said Djokovic who ends 2015 with an 82-6 record.

"I did. I was returning more shots. He is very aggressive when he was on and it is very difficult to stay with him.

"Overall it was a very solid performance."

After such a memorable campaign, Djokovic will take a well-earned break with his wife Jelena and son Stefan before his thoughts turn to emulating this year's success in 2016 where his main target will be a maiden French Open title.



"I am looking forward to our two weeks of holiday with my wife and son away from tennis for a bit," he added.

"Give me some time to recharge my batteries and then I'll think about next season."

Djokovic's coach Boris Becker admitted he thought the Serb had finally run out of energy heading into the tournament and he was impressed by the champion’s powers of recovery.

"At the start of the week, I was worried as Novak looked tired and worn out," said Becker who was celebrating his 48th birthday on Sunday.

"Against Roger on Tuesday he was out-played and out-classed but he came back and played one of his best matches against Rafa (Nadal) in the semi-finals.

"It has been an amazing year for Novak and everyone behind him.

"Hopefully it will continue for many more years."

Federer had few complaints about missing out on his seventh Tour Finals title and the 17-time Grand Slam champion saluted Djokovic's remarkable 2015 run.

The 34-year-old, who pulled out of last year's final against Djokovic with a back injury, said: "It is never fun on the not winning side, it is better than not playing at all like last year.

"This week was great, there were some crazy points tonight, but like plenty of times this year Novak deserved it.

"Well done on a crazy good year."