Novak Djokovic swept past long-time rival Rafael Nadal in a battling display at the ATP Cup final Sunday to lay down a marker ahead of the Australian Open. Nadal and Djokovic were both expected back on the court to play the decisive doubles rubber that will decide which country wins the 24-nation tournament. The Serb had won nine of their past 12 contests and been dominant over the years on hard courts — including a comfortable win against Nadal in the Australian Open final last year. He showed his intent immediately, breaking Nadal in the opening game when the Spaniard netted a backhand, and there was no let-up. Nadal lifted to another level in the second set and it was an intense affair, with Djokovic saving five break points in a crucial sixth game.

Source: Punch January 12, 2020 12:11 UTC