I Will Not Gameplan For Novak Djokovic In The Offseason

Despite all his titles, all his wins and his runaway No. 1 finish, Roger Federer says he won't change his approach to tennis just because of Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic's supremely functional game, one it is nearly impossible to punch a hole through when he is fully firing, has delivered on a grand scale. His athleticism and tactics combined with a ruthless mix of attack and defense. Then, once I get back to practice, the gym, enjoy that part as well, which I do.

With a seventh title, he would naturally extend all of them, but also maintains his challenge for year-end No2 over Andy Murray.

With Federer once again applies pressure on Djokovic's serve at 4-3 40/30, the Serb fired a leaping kick serve that pulled the Swiss off the court and followed it up with a rifled backhand victor down the line - a combination that has worked quite effectively for him over the years. Fans will salivate at the prospect of a calendar Grand Slam in 2016.

Perhaps two other factors would play their part too.

Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in straight sets at the O2 Arena

Federer was generous in defeat at the O2 Arena. It was his 11th tournament victory in 15 finals this year (another tour record) and left his stats for the year as played 88, won 82, lost six. If anything, it merely steeled his determination.

The Olympic tennis tournament remains the only big singles title Roger Federer has yet to add to his collection.

Federer's chances were few and far between.

Hoisting the title trophy high in the air was about the only time all day the world No. 1 took his eyes off the prize and soaked up his surroundings.

In the early match, neither player had much at stake as Nadal had already clinched first place in the group and Ferrer had been eliminated, but the two baseline sluggers still went at it relentlessly for more than 2 ½ hours in a match full of heavy hitting and long rallies.

Aside from the trophy, another 1,300 ranking points and the cheque for £1.4m, Djokovic also draws level with Federer at 22-22 in career meetings.

"Once that's over then I look more towards the future".

The second set was closer, although there was always a feeling that Federer was struggling.

The pro-Federer crowd leaned forward, fearing the worst, when Djokovic grabbed two match points on their hero's serve. "This could not have been a better finish". He won 16 of 19 second-serve points (84 percent), compared to nine of 21 second-serve points (42 percent) for his opponent.

Federer put the screws on Djokovic in goading 22 unforced errors to just 12 winners of the top seed's racquet, claiming 49 per cent of his rival's first serve points.

Federer said: "It is never fun on the not winning side, but it is better than not playing at all like previous year".

"It's been a great year with many highlights. When one player is better than you, the only thing you can do is try to find (a) solution". Thought I played some great tennis, even in the finals: some points were insane. "But Novak deserved to win". "Like he has so many times this year".

"I think what I managed to do better than what I've done in the last match we played in the group stage here was the fact that I was more solid from the back of the court", said Djokovic.

"I feel really good", the Swiss said after his first match. I'm just trying to cherish every moment at this level.