Novak Djokovic hails 'best year of career' after emphatic final win over Roger Federer

Djokovic, the world No. 1, beat Federer 6-3 6-4 at the O2 Arena in London to win a final that he always seemed to have control over, making him the first player in history to win the tournament four times in a row as he also picked up his 11th title of the year.

It capped up an almost perfect campaign for the 28-year-old: the Serbian lost in the final of the French Open but won the year's other three grand slams, only failing to reach the final of one tournament he entered in the process - his very first of the year.

Djokovic lost to Federer in the group stages of the tournament earlier in the week but it was a different story when they met again on Sunday, with Djokovic's pinpoint returning and unfailing groundstrokes proving too much for the Swiss.

Afterwards, Djokovic admitted his delight at being able to sustain such a high level of play for so long - but acknowledged he was now looking forward to a short break.

"Obviously I'm very proud, together with my team, for the achievements of the season," Djokovic said. "It could not have been a better finish. It's been a long season, but the best of my life.

"I'm trying to cherish every moment on court where I play at this level."

Djokovic admitted that he felt the need to change his approach after losing to Federer in their initial meeting at the O2.

“He was better in the group stage so I had to change something,” he added. “I returned better, made him play more shots.

"It’s difficult to have time to do anything against him. All in all, it was a very solid performance.

"I was glad to keep the focus and concentration up after a long season. Now I go on holiday to recharge my batteries.”

Federer, who famously had to pull out of last year's final due to injury, said he was relieved just to get out on court this time - but acknowledged his opponent was a deserved winner in the end.

"It's never fun not being on the winning side, but it's better than not playing at all like last year," he said.

"This week was great again, and it's been a fantastic year all around. I tried my best, I thought I played some great tennis all week and in the final, but Novak deserves the win today like so many times this year."

The result means Andy Murray will end the season as world No. 2, the highest end-of-year ranking of his career to date.