Djokovic coasts to win over Tsonga

"It was important for both of us to start well and I'm really happy with my performance. It means a lot," said Djokovic, who will end the year as world number one whatever happens at the O2 this week.

"Every win does. But especially here where there's no favourites and rankings don't matter. I like to give this crowd something to cheer about."

With fireworks flying outside on a freezing Bonfire Night, this one turned out to be a damp squib before several thousand tennis fans.

Tsonga had three break points in a fairly mediocre first set, but ultimately paid the price for failing to convert any of them as he was broken in the opening game of the second set and the ninth game to enable Djokovic to complete the win in straight sets.

"To be honest, he was the better player throughout the first set," Djokovic said. "I managed to stay mentally tough and fight my way through."

Tsonga reached the final last year, but the Frenchman will need to produce an almighty recovery to trouble men like Djokovic on this level of form.

Djokovic was rarely tested on serve as he breezed through the second set with four love games, compiling 16 straight points as Tsonga strangely seemed to retreat into his shell.

Andy Murray renews acquaintances with Djokovic on Wednesday after his 3-6 6-3 6-4 win over Tomas Berdych earlier in the day. Tsonga faces Berdych in a match he may have to win to remain alive in the tournament.

Group A

1-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) beat 7-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) 7-6(4) 6-3

3-Andy Murray (Great Britain) beat 5-Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) 3-6 6-3 6-4