• ATP World Tour Finals

Triumphant Djokovic: Federer pushed me to my limit

ESPN staff
November 12, 2012
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic went toe-to-toe in the final © Getty Images
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Novak Djokovic confessed that he had been pushed to his very limit by Roger Federer in Monday's thrilling ATP World Tour Finals climax, which the Serbian won in straight sets.

Djokovic claimed the season-ending crown 7-6(6) 7-5 at London's O2 Arena, but he had to put his body on the line to overcome his Swiss rival.

The world No. 1 hit the deck on more than one occasion as he strained every sinew to keep pace with Federer, who set the tempo in both sets. Djokovic even shed blood from his arm after one particularly heavy fall, and he was relieved to get over the finish line.

"Roger, we pushed each other to the absolute limit," Djokovic said. "It's a privilege to play against you, it's a big challenge so congratulations for a great week.

"I couldn't have started or finished the season in a better way."

Victory for Djokovic means he ends the year with an Australian Open crown and a World Tour Finals trophy to his name, while he also made it to the final of the French Open.

Federer, meanwhile, must console himself with a Wimbledon title, having lost in finals of both the Olympic tournament and in London this week. Nevertheless, he remained highly gracious in defeat.

"I couldn't have played much better than I did today," Federer said.

"It's always one of my main targets at the start of each year to be playing in this tournament, and I hope to be back playing next year.

"We broke the sound barrier with over one million fans, you guys make it worthwhile that we play here. You're the best."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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