Dynamic Djokovic 2-7 to claim Abu Dhabi spoils

NOVAK DJOKOVIC served notice that he is still very much the man to beat this season when hammering Roger Federer 6-2 6-1 on Friday to claim a place in Saturday’s Mubadala World Championship final in Abu Dhabi.

And while all is still rosy in the world of ATP No. 1 Djokovic, Rafael Nadal is set to take a break from tennis after the Australian Open, which starts in 16 days’ time.

Nadal, who was beaten 6-3 6-2 by his fellow Spaniard David Ferrer at the International Tennis Complex in Zayed Sports City on Friday, says he is still experiencing problems with his back, but it raises the question that if the Spaniard knows he will rest in a month’s time whyis he playing now?

The Majorcan was below par after a comprehensive defeat to Djokovic in the US Open final in September but gained a much-needed confidence boost when guiding Spain to victory in the Davis Cup final over Argentina earlier this month.

That was on clay, however, and it seems to be the case that Nadal is vulnerable right now on any surface other than his beloved clay.

Djokovic is 2-7 to beat 3-1 Ferrer and ought to avenge his recent ATP World Tour Finals loss to the Spaniard, although the Serb will have to work harder than he did against Federer.

Federer is 8-13 to defeat 6-4 Nadal in the third-place match.

Read Saturday's RPSPORT for Adrian Humphries' latest Hopman Cup match bettingadvice