Weekend ATP Roundup: Djokovic Coasts Past Nadal, Raonic Upsets Federer

January 11, 2016 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
Djokovic_Crop_02_10
Photo credit: Lee Seidner

While most of the country was enjoying the opening weekend of the NFL playoffs, there was some top tennis being played on the other side of the world as the opening tournaments of the 2016 season came to a close.

Djokovic Buries Nadal for Doha Title
World number one Novak Djokovic earned the 60th title of his career at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, routing Rafael Nadal 6-1, 6-2. Djokovic went through the draw without dropping a set, including dropping just three games to his long-time rival Nadal in the final.

“I haven’t dropped a set the entire week,” said Djokovic. “When it was most needed against one of my biggest rivals, I managed to play the best tennis in a match where I fought for the trophy. So it does definitely give me a great deal of confidence for the rest of the season. I’m playing the tennis of my life, and I will try to nurture and cherish those moments on the court. As I said in the ceremony, I will use this confidence level in every tournament that I play.”

Djokovic hit 30 winners to just 13 unforced errors, and improved his overall record against Nadal to 24-23.

Raonic Upsets Federer to Reign in Brisbane
It was a rematch of the 2015 final in Brisbane as Canadian Milos Raonic took on Switzerland’s Roger Federer, but this time, it was Raonic who came out victorious, downing Federer 6-4, 6-4 for the championship.

“It feels great,” said Raonic. “It feels great considering how the past nine months have been. It adds a sort of a cherry on top to all that. The win does great things. For myself, it signifies within the team how concrete and good the work we’re doing is. At the same time, with the difficulties I had last year, it’s maybe a good way for me to show the other guys I will face going into Melbourne that I’ve got my stuff back together and I can play some good tennis again.”

Raonic was able to secure one break in each set, and was near-perfect on his own serve. He saved the only break point he faced and won 82 percent of his first serve points. 

Wawrinka Downs Coric for Chennai Crown
Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka completed his three-peat in Chennai, India, defeating Borna Coric 6-3, 7-5 to win the Aircel Chennai Open title for the third consecutive season.

Wawrinka has now won 12 straight matches and 24 consecutive sets in Chennai, and for the third straight year kicks off his campaign with a title in the opening week.

“I’m really happy to win the match the way I played today. Again it was in two sets as it has been all tournament. The crowd was amazing. They give amazing support every year,” said Wawrinka. “I’m always trying to improve. I’m trying to move better, trying to play more aggressive with a better forehand and serve better. I’m very happy with my serve this week. I’m happy to get the trophy again. It’s a great feeling.”

Wawrinka saved all five break points he faced, and converted one break point in each set to move past Coric, who was playing in his first career ATP final, in straight sets.

Despite the loss, the Croatian teenager was pleased with his performance over the week.

“It was a great week for me here,” said Coric. “I arrived a couple of days before the event and got some great practice in the heat. Obviously facing Stan in my first final was a tough challenge. Nevertheless, I’m very happy with my week and the start into the season.”


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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