Djokovic retains ATP title

(CNN) -- Rightly billed as a clash of tennis titans, World No.1 versus World No.2, few were expecting the comprehensive manner of Novak Djokovic's defeat of Rafael Nadal to retain the ATP World Tour Finals title Monday night in London.

Nadal will still end the year as the top ranked player in the world, but he was given a timely reminder that on the fast indoor surface of the 02 Arena, Djokovic reigns supreme, retaining his title with a 6-3 6-4 victory.

It came after just one hour 36 minutes on his third championship point, with Nadal putting a forehand wide, rounding off an uncharacteristically tame display from the Spaniard.

Djokovic has been undefeated since losing to Nadal in the final of the U.S. Open in September and he deservedly lifted the trophy, named in honor of former ATP president Brad Drewett, who died earlier this year.

Read: Tennis stars pay homage to Drewett

After the gladiatorial style entrants by both men, it was Djokovic who struck the first blows, racing to a 3-0 lead with an early break of Nadal's service.

He had a point for a double break, but the Spaniard weathered the storm before making inroads on Djokovic's next service game to draw them level at 3-3.

But Djokovic was not to be denied and after holding his own service, he broke Nadal again, the decisive point seeing both men at full stretch with scarcely believable retrieving.

Djokovic finally put away a decisive volley then held his own service, clinching the set with an ace.

He was immediately on the front foot in the second set, breaking Nadal early again to take a lead he never relinquished.

Read: Top pair set for ATP showdown

Nadal was under pressure as he served to stay in the match at 3-5, saving the first match point and forcing his opponent to serve out for the championship.

Nadal at last showed glimpses of his true quality by saving a second championship point, but any hopes of an unlikely revival were quickly snuffed out as Djokovic sent down an ace to bring up his third chance to take the title for a third time.

Nadal still leads their career meetings 22-17 and will be looking to revenge the defeat when the 2014 season starts with the Australian Open in January.

Before that, Djokovic will lead Serbia in the final of the Davis Cup against the Czech Republic, hoping to continue his unbeaten end to the season.

Read: Djokovic and Troicki slam doping procedures

Earlier, Fernando Verdasco and his Spanish compatriot David Marrero lifted the doubles title, beating the top seeds and three-time former champions Mike and Bob Bryan of the United States.

Verdasco and Marrero won a close final 7-5 6-7 10-7 in one hour and 44 minutes, succeeding Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez as winners of the end of season finale.

They shared $335,500 in prize money, while the Bryans -- five-time finalists -- split $195,500. The losing pair have the consolation of comfortably ending 2013 as the top pair in the world, winning three of the four major titles with a 70-13 record.

Via: Djokovic retains ATP title

'Emotional' Nadal is year-end No. 1

(CNN) -- Rafael Nadal sealed a remarkable comeback in 2013 by beating Stanislas Wawrinka at the ATP World Tour Finals on Wednesday to ensure he will finish the year as world No. 1.

The Spaniard also qualified for the semifinals of the only major tennis tournament he has never won, with the 27-year-old boasting a career grand slam in addition to an Olympic gold medal.

Since returning to the sport in February after seven months out with a knee injury, the 13-time grand slam champion has won 10 titles in a year which he has described as one of his best.

Beating Wawrinka in London confirmed that he finishes on top of the world for the third time in his career, with Novak Djokovic now forced to settle for second place. The Serbian had held the honor the past two years, while Nadal is the first player to win it back twice.

Read: Serb stars slam anti-doping procedures

"A lot of emotions today," Nadal said following his 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (8-6) over the Swiss eighth seed. "It's the perfect scenario to be finally the year-end No. 1 in this fantastic stadium, in front of this unbelievable crowd, so many thanks for making me feel like this.

"This has been an unbelievable comeback year."

It certainly has.

When he returned to action in Chile in February, Nadal moved so gingerly at times that he felt it better to leave some points as he attempted to protect his troublesome knee.

A first title since the 2012 French Open followed later that month in Brazil, and these were soon followed by further triumphs in Mexico and Indian Wells.

Comprehensive confirmation of the fact that "the King of Clay" had fully recovered his abilities came at the French Open when he beat Djokovic in a compelling semifinal before defeating compatriot David Ferrer to claim a record eighth title at Roland Garros.

Humiliation followed at Wimbledon as the former champion was beaten by Belgium's 135th-ranked Steve Darcis, the first time Nadal had exited a grand slam in the first round.

Yet he recovered to clinch the U.S. Open in September, beating Djokovic in the final, and before a packed crowd at London's O2 Arena on Wednesday, Nadal said his extraordinary return would have been impossible without his family.

"The team is everything for me," he explained.

"Without them, I would never have the chance to be back where I am today -- being the No. 1 at the end of the season when there are such unbelievable competitors in front of me.

"Without my family team behind me, it is impossible to think like this, especially after what happened last year."

Swiss finals debutant Wawrinka now has a win and loss ahead of his final round-robin match against Ferrer, while Nadal will close against Tomas Berdych.

Third-ranked Ferrer lost out to Czech Berdych in Wednesday's late game 6-4 6-4.

Via: 'Emotional' Nadal is year-end No. 1

Murray gives thumbs up after op

(CNN) -- Andy Murray has given the thumbs up after undergoing surgery on his back.

The two-time grand slam winner took to Twitter just after the operation, writing: "Thanks for all the well wishes, means a lot to me."

He added: "First thing I said when I came round was 'did I win?'"

Murray, 26, is hoping to return to training in Miami in November following a period of rehabilitation.

Read: Djokovic joins elite group at summit

Thanks for all the well wishes, means a lot to me... pic.twitter.com/KokbiW8Y4M

The British No.1 has suffered with back injuries throughout his career and was forced to withdraw from May's French Open before going on to win Wimbledon.

His failure to play at Roland Garros was the first time he had pulled out of a grand slam since the 2007 clay-court tournament where he was suffering with a wrist injury.

Read: Murray set to miss the rest of 2013

He failed in his defense of the U.S. Open earlier this month, losing out in the quarterfinals to Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka in straight sets.

World No. 3 Murray will hope to return to competitive action ahead of next January's Australian Open before turning out for Great Britain in its Davis Cup tie with the U.S. the following month.

Via: Murray gives thumbs up after op

Nadal 'had doubts' before U.S. Open triumph

(CNN) -- Crushing a string of opponents before dispatching Novak Djokovic in four sets in the U.S. Open final, Rafael Nadal was back to his ruthless best, with not a hint of the injury problems which have threatened to blight his career, even during a year which has seen him claim two grand slams.

But the Spaniard has admitted to CNN that he had real fears that as he made yet another comeback he would fall short of his own incredible standards.

"Sure I had doubts, everyone has doubts," said the 27-year-old Mallorcan.

"When you are injured you doubt if you going to be able to come back and play at 100%."

Closing fast on Djokovic's No.1 spot, Nadal has spent two lengthy spells on the sidelines through knee injuries, both times making a strong comeback.

Read: Nadal crashes to stunning Wimbledon defeat

Returning to the ATP Tour in February, Nadal clicked straight into gear, culminating in his eighth victory in the French Open.

But come Wimbledon his battered body could take no further punishment and Nadal was a shadow of his normal self as he crashed out in the first round to unheralded Steve Darcis, clearly troubled by knee problems.

The doubters were out in force again and with Nadal sidelined yet again, Djokovic and Wimbledon champion Andy Murray were predicted to share the grand slams between them in the foreseeable future.

They were reckoning without Nadal's incredible determination and joining the circuit again for the pre U.S. Open hard court series, the Mallorcan looked as if he had never been away, claiming titles in Montreal and Cincinnati before his Flushing Meadows triumph.

The mixture of joy and relief were there for all to see as Nadal savored every moment on the Arthur Ashe Stadium Court in claiming his 13th career grand slam.

"When you are coming back after low moments victories are all the more special and more emotional," Nadal admitted.

Read: Nadal wins 13th grand slam crown

"I enjoy it now because in a few years I won't have the chance to play like I did in the U.S. Open final."

The manner of his victory suggested that Nadal could easily outstrip all-time grand slam record holder Roger Federer, who has 17 in his trophy room.

But always at the back of Nadal's mind is the possibility his knee tendon problem might flare up again so he is taking nothing for granted.

"We need our knees, without our knees it is impossible to play well, sometimes I still have pain, but the most important thing is that at the moment I am able to play without limitations," said the newly crowned U.S. Open champion.

Nadal has been a force on the circuit for approaching a decade since bursting to prominence as a precocious teenager, particularly on his favorite clay surface.

Read: Nadal back to No.2 with Cincinnati triumph

His all action game was an immediate crowd pleaser but he admits that he takes a more measured approach these days.

"When you are a kid you are able to play with a different style, crazy jumping and all that," added Nadal.

"That moment has passed but my love and passion for the game is still the same."

All that spells bad news for those battling him at the elite end of the men's game with plenty to play for still in 2013, including the ATP World Tour Finals in London, just about the only title which has eluded him.

Via: Nadal 'had doubts' before U.S. Open triumph

Nadal beats Djokovic to win U.S. Open

(CNN) -- Rafael Nadal confirmed his status Monday night as the dominant force in men's tennis with a four-set win over world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open final.

Nadal won 6-2, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.

For Nadal, it was his second U.S. Open title and, as importantly, marked a triumphant return to the peak of his powers after a long battle to overcome a knee injury.

READ MORE: Serena Williams triumphs in U.S. Open

The Spaniard also avenged his defeat to Djokovic in the 2011 Flushing Meadows final to clinch his 13th grand slam title. That puts him one grand slam behind American Pete Sampras and four behind Roger Federer of Switzerland.

In the 37th meeting between the two players, the sixth in a grand slam final, world No. 2 Nadal extended his hard-court winning streak to 22 matches.

Serbia's Djokovic has now tasted defeat in two consecutive U.S. Open finals after his five-set loss to Andy Murray in 2012.

Via: Nadal beats Djokovic to win U.S. Open

Williams 'having fun' after 11 months of 'hell'

(CNN) -- Two years after losing part of her lung during an operation to remove a life-threatening blood clot, newly-crowned U.S. Open champion Serena Williams insists playing tennis "is just fun now."

The world No. 1's battle-weary opponents might not be having so much fun after Williams successfully defended the Flushing Meadows title she won in 2012 against the same opponent, beating second seed Victoria Azarenka 7-5 6-7 6-1 to secure her fifth singles championship in New York.

It is a far cry from where the now 17-time grand slam singles champion was in July 2010 when she suffered a cut to her right foot and was later diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism which left her on her death bed.

Read: Djokovic and Nadal to face off in men's final

That 11 months of "hell" culminated in her descent to No. 175 in the world rankings in July 2011.

Since then four grand slams have been won by Williams during a truly dominant 14-month spell.

One more major triumph would see her sit level with legendary compatriots Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert in fourth position on the list of the most prolific female grand slam champions of all time.

"It was the toughest thing I've been through in my life," the 31-year-old told CNN. "One thing kept happening after another, blood clots in both of my lungs, I lost part of my lung, I had to retrain. I don't have two full lungs anymore.

"You go through this stage of thinking, 'Why does all of this keep happening.' It was really 11 months of hell.

"When I'm on that court and I'm facing opponents, I feel like I've faced so many tougher opponents that this is just fun now."

Read: Tennis baby is a Twitter star

Williams' lung problems only became obvious when she was rushed into hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties en route to an Oscars party in March 2011.

"Being in the emergency room and being in hospital for all of that time, not knowing if I would ever pick up a racket again, not even caring, just wanting to be healthy," recalled Williams. "That was a tough time for me."

She is indeed healthy again and operating at the peak of her powers at an age when many of her contemporaries are seemingly struggling to last the pace.

Roger Federer has seen his vice-like grip on men's tennis loosen as he heads deeper into his 30s, while Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli retired last month at the age of 28.

Read: Why Federer's legacy is 'vulnerable'

However, Williams maintains a childlike enthusiasm for sport, aided in no small way by the perspective she gained during her battle to regain her form and fitness.

"I feel like just going for broke now," she said. "I'm really focused on what I want to do, I'm just having a lot of fun out there.

"I'm like '31 is old,' but that doesn't seem like me. I don't act like it [her age] either so maybe that has something to do with it."

Williams' muscular physique sets her apart from physically smaller opponents and she remains proud of how she managed to combine power with femininity.

"It's OK to be strong and to be powerful and to be beautiful and to love who you are," she added.

"You can stand up to anyone and you can be proud of who you are, where you come from and be a positive awesome girl."

Via: Williams 'having fun' after 11 months of 'hell'

Serena outlasts Azarenka in epic final

(CNN) -- Serena Williams retained her U.S. Open title with a hard-fought 7-5 6-7 6-1 victory over Victoria Azarenka in an gripping final at Flushing Meadows Sunday.

The World No.1 was thoroughly extended by Azarenka before clinching her 17th grand slam crown in two hours 45 minutes of enthralling action on a windswept Arthur Ashe Stadium Court.

Williams, who twice served for the championship in the second set, made no mistake at 5-1 in the decider, taking advantage of her second match point when her opponent from Belarus hit long.

It ended brave resistance from the second seed, who had trailed by two breaks of service in the second set before hitting back to win a tense tiebreaker 8-6.

Fifth title in New York

But Serena was not to be denied her fifth U.S. Open title, opening up a double break advantage in the third set, which this time she was not to relinquish.

At 31 she is the the oldest winner of the hard court grand slam in the Open era and acknowledged just how tough a match she had been given.

Read: Serena sets up U.S. Open rematch with Vika

"Victoria you played unbelievable," Williams said. "What a great match and a great person. It's an honor to play against you." she told the crowd.

Azarenka, beaten by Williams in the final in New York for the second straight year, admitted a second defeat was hard to take.

"It's a tough loss but being in the final against the best player, who deserves the win, it's incredible," Azarenka said.

"I gave it everything I had. I fought hard but well deserved. Congratulations Serena."

Bumper check

Williams picked up a check for $3.6 million, including a $1 million bonus for winning events in the build up to the final slam of the season.

She is the first woman to successfully defend the title since Kim Clijsters in 2010, claiming her second grand slam of the year after winning the French Open for the second time.

Williams had lost only 16 games in six matches as she cruised to the final, but Azarenka was made of sterner stuff and after dropping her service in the very first game, immediately broke back to set the pattern of the final.

Read: Serena stunned at Wimbledon

Williams finally broke through again in the 11th game and served out for the opener, but hopes of a straight sets victory were dashed by another stirring Azarenka fightback.

Williams looked on the verge of tears after her failure to close out the match and threw down her racket in frustration as Azarenka leveled at one set all.

Great champion

But great champion that she is, Williams quickly regained control to the delight of the 20,000 spectators on the show court.

Monday will see top seed Novak Djokovic and second ranked Rafael Nadal battle for the men's title.

Earlier, Leander Paes became the oldest man to win a grand slam title when he paired with Radek Stepanek to win the men's doubles title.

Read: Serena leads tributes to Billie Jean King

The 40-year-old Indian and his Czech partner, the fourth seeds, beat Alexander Peya of Austria and Brazil's Bruno Soares, the second seeds, 6-1 6-3.

Paes and Stepanek were winners of the 2012 Australian Open title and had ended the hopes of top seeds Bob and Mike Bryan, who were hoping to complete a calendar year grand slam, in the semifinals.

Paes had won the US Open title with Martin Damm in 2006 and Lukas Dlouhy in 2009 and now has eight men's doubles trophies at the majors as well as six mixed doubles crowns.

"I think the best advice I can give to anyone for doubles is get a partner from the Czech Republic!," Paes told the official tournament website.

"Radek helped me to get to be the oldest man to ever win a grand slam in the Open era. I thank him for that, and we are definitely not done. I'm going after 41 now, 42, and then 43."

Via: Serena outlasts Azarenka in epic final