World number one Novak Djokovic kicked off his ATP World Tour Finals campaign with a commanding win over John Isner on Tuesday.
The Serbian was handed a tricky-looking opener at London’s O2 Arena but came through the tie convincingly against the big-hitting American.
Djokovic, who is priced at 1.36 to win the ATP Finals outright, broke his opponent in the fifth game of the first set and the seventh of the second, sealing a 6-4 6-3 victory on Isner’s serve with a cross-court backhand in the season-ending event.
The 31-year-old had to skip the showpiece tournament last season due to injury and looks eager to make up for lost time.
He is seeking a sixth crown at the tournament and will prove tough to stop if he continues to play in the same manner.
Djokovic said: “I hope you enjoyed the match. It’s great to be back here at (the) O2 Arena – traditional tournament, full house from the first day. I kind of enjoyed my time off but I missed playing this tournament and I am glad to be back.
“I had three breaks of serve of John which is sometimes ‘mission impossible’ but I managed to be at right place at the right time.
“I held serve well, I backed it up from the baseline, I played very solid and didn’t give him many opportunities.”
The 14-time Grand Slam champion returns to action on Wednesday when he goes up against impressive German youngster Alexander Zverev.
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