 Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 15 Nov 2008 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 16 Nov 2008 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 16 Nov 2008 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 16 Nov 2008 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 16 Nov 2008 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 16 Nov 2008 |
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| 16 Nov 2008 - Qi Zhong Stadium, Shanghai, China | |
| Djokovic claims Tennis Masters Cup |
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic crowned a memorable year by winning the 2008 Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai. The world No. 3 scored his second victory of the week over Nikolay Davydenko, defeating the Russian 61 75 in the final in one hour 42 minutes.
Djokovic and Davydenko both qualified from the Gold Group, in which the Serbian scored a narrow 76(3) 06 75 over the Russian in their second match to top the group. Britain’s Andy Murray was the surprise winner of the Red Group, upsetting world No. 2 Roger Federer 46 76(3) 75 in his final match to compile a perfect 3-0 record. Federer also lost his opening encounter to Gilles Simon 46 64 63, with the Frenchman finishing as group runner-up.
In contrasting semifinals, Djokovic edged past Simon 46 63 75, while Davydenko scored a comfortable 75 63 victory over Murray. The Russian then fought back from a set and 5-3 down in the final, but was unable to prevent Djokovic adding the title to his Australian Open crown to close the gap on world No. 2 Federer.
Djokovic said: “It means a lot. I would put it in the same league as a Grand Slam because the best eight players in the world are participating here. It's not easy, you know. There is a lot of pressure involved. I'm happy that I managed to hold my nerves in the end.”
The year’s number one doubles team was decided in the final match of the season with Canada’s Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonijic of Serbia defeating Americans Bob and Mike Bryan 76(3) 62 to clinch the Masters Cup title and the top ranking. This was Nestor’s second successive triumph in Shanghai following victory with Mark Knowles in 2007.
The Tennis Masters Cup, which is co-owned by the ATP, ITF and Grand Slams, now leaves Shanghai after a successful four-year run at the state-of-the-art Qi Zhong Tennis Centre.
For further information, visit www.masters-cup.com.
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