Djokovic makes a clinical start in London

Novak Djokovic cruised past debutant Matteo Berrettini in straight sets in the Group Bjorn Borg opener at the ATP Finals in London. The 32-year-old Serbian, who is looking to move level with Roger Federer on a record six title wins at the end-of-season finale at the O2 Arena, needed just 64 minutes to brush side his Italian opponent 6-2 6-1 on Sunday afternoon. It was not initially plain-sailing for the 16-time Grand Slam winner as he was tied at 2-2 in the opening set, only to then win the next eight consecutive games to sit 4-0 in the second and subsequently eased to victory. Djokovic, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, knows that in order to have any chance of usurping Rafael Nadal at the top of the world rankings, he must reach the final at this week’s event. He said: “It feels great to be back in London. “Over the years I have played well in this arena and this event, which holds elite eight players. “It has been in this city for the past 10 years. It’s a very successful tournament and I have enjoyed it very much. “It was not easy for him, playing in his first ATP finals match. I knew he would be nervous at the beginning. So, I tried to use my experience and tactics to perform well. “I was fortunate to get the break midway through the first set and after that I read his serve better. He has big weapons. I managed to play solidly throughout the match.”