Novak, Stan open World Tour Finals bids in style

LONDON—Two-time defending champion Novak Djokovic extended his indoor winning streak with an impressive 6-1, 6-1 win over Marin Cilic Monday in his opening round-robin match at the ATP World Tour Finals, after Stan Wawrinka put his recent struggles behind him with an equally comfortable victory.

Djokovic moved two wins away from sealing the year-end No. 1 spot, and improved his record against the US Open champion to 11-0 with a dominant display that lasted only 56 minutes.

The O2 Arena crowd was treated to several stunning rallies in the opening stages, with Djokovic coming out on top on every important point. The top-ranked Serb has now won his last 28 matches indoors, a streak going back more than two years.

“I give myself a lot of time to prepare for these events, for indoor tournaments,” Djokovic said. “Considering how long the season is, everybody is mentally, physically, emotionally tired and exhausted. But this is where you have to find your last drop of strength and motivation to finish off the year in style.”

The top-ranked Serb will next take on Wawrinka, who made the most of Tomas Berdych’s error-laced performance in a 6-1, 6-1 win earlier Monday.

“From my own side, it’s my first time being here,” said Cilic, one of the three debutants in London. “Also, I felt that Novak played really, really solid today.  In some matches, the score just keeps running.  You are thinking a lot.  You are always trying to find something.  But whatever you try, it’s not working.”

Djokovic, bidding to finish the season as No. 1 for the third time, will be guaranteed the top spot if he wins his remaining two round-robin matches against Wawrinka and Berdych.

Wawrinka traveled to London with his form in question after winning only two matches since his quarterfinal exit at the US Open.

Wawrinka’s strong display will also reassure the Switzerland team ahead of the Davis Cup final against France from Nov. 21 to 23 in Lille, where he will be teaming up with Roger Federer.   AP