Djokovic wins record fourth straight ATP Finals title

Novak Djokovic, shown en route to the title at Indian Wells in March,
 Roger Federer 6-3, 6-4 today for the crown in the ATP World
Tour Finals in London. Photo by Paul Bauman 

   So much for Roger Federer's straight-set victory over Novak Djokovic on Tuesday.
   Djokovic, seeded No. 1, capped one of the greatest years in history with a 6-3, 6-4 triumph over No. 3 Federer today in London for the title in the ATP World Tour Finals. Federer double-faulted on match point.
   Federer ended Djokovic's winning streak at 23 matches with a 7-5, 6-2 victory on Tuesday in the round-robin portion of the ATP Finals, which consisted of the top eight singles players and top eight doubles teams of the year.
   Djokovic earned a record fourth straight title in the ATP Finals, surpassing Ilie Nastase (1971-73) and Ivan Lendl (1985-87). The tournament began in 1970.
   Djokovic tied Lendl and Pete Sampras with five ATP Finals titles, second behind Federer's six.
   Djokovic came within one match of earning the first calendar-year Grand Slam since Rod Laver in 1969, losing in four sets to Stan Wawrinka in the French Open. It's the only major title Djokovic hasn't won.
   "I'm obviously very proud to have these achievements with my team," the 28-year-old Djokovic, who went 82-6 this year, said during the awards ceremony. "It's been a long season, but the best of my life. Without their support and my family, I wouldn't be where I am.
   "I'm just trying to cherish every moment at this level, As a kid growing up, you dream to be at tournaments like this and fighting for the biggest trophies in sport."
   Djokovic evened his career record against the 34-year-old Federer at 22-22, including 5-3 this year.
   Djokovic finished at No. 1 in the rankings for the fourth time in five years. Andy Murray was a career-best second and Federer third.
   No. 2 seeds Jean-Julien Rojer of the Netherlands and Horia Tecau of Romania won the doubles title for the first time, beating No. 8 Rohan Bopanna of India and Florin Mergea 6-4, 6-3.
   Rojer and Tecau, who won their maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon this year, became the first doubles team to win the season finale without losing a set since round-robin play began in 1986.