Roger Federer had the task of defending his ATP World Tour Finals title at the O2 Arena against world number one Novak Djokovic this evening.
Federer, currently ranked second in the standings, created numerous chances to claim both the first and second set.
However, he failed to take them and Djokovic took full advantage to wrestle away the trophy from the 31-year-old's grasp.
Below is our game-by-game updates of how the match unfolded.
Evening all. Well here we are then - the end of the men's tennis season is upon us. To be honest, I don't think that there is a better way for the curtain to come down on the year than seeing the world's top two players battle it out for the trophy.
It's fair to say that these two are not strangers. They've met 28 times on the circuit, with Federer currently leading the way with 16 wins to 12. That's pretty impressive from a Djokovic point of view. There are not many players out there that have beaten Federer that often. In fact, only Rafael Nadal has a more positive record against the Swiss star.
The rankings show that there is very little to separate these two. Their main matches this year also highlight that point. From four outings, the outcome stands at two wins apiece. Djokovic won on the clay of Rome and the French Open, while Federer came out on top at Wimbledon and Cincinnati. That's why it is so hard to pick a winner from this match. Flip a coin would be the best bet!
World number one Djokovic is the favourite with the majority of bookmakers to win through, despite Federer being regarded as the best indoor player. That probably has something to do with the last 10 matches overall. While there is nothing to separate them over the last four encounters, Djokovic has won seven of the last 10.
World number one Djokovic is the favourite with the majority of bookmakers to win through, despite Federer being regarded as the best indoor player. That probably has something to do with the last 10 matches overall. While there is nothing to separate them over the last four encounters, Djokovic has won seven of the last 10.
Anyway, enough of throwing statistics at you for a few minutes! Let's take a look at how both players reached this point, starting with Djokovic...
The Serbian was drawn alongside Andy Murray, Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the O2. He opened his campaign up with a straightforward success over Tsonga, before eventually seeing off the threat of Murray in three. Those wins booked his place in the semi-final, but that did not stop him defeating Berdych in his final group fixture. As group leader, he was pitted against Juan Martin del Potro in the semis. It looked as though Djoko was heading for the exit when he lost the first set and was broken early in the second. His response was brutal though and he eventually advanced at the expense of the Argentine.
Meanwhile, Federer began his stint in London with a comfortable triumph over Janko Tipsarevic. He then booked his place in the semi-finals with a match to spare courtesy of a 6-4 7-6(5) win over David Ferrer. It was just as well that he beat Ferrer, because in his final group encounter he was defeated by Del Potro in three sets. Nevertheless, he still topped the group and as result met Murray for a place in tonight's final. Federer was broken early on, but from then on it was all one-way traffic in his favour. The 31-year-old eventually knocked the Scot out 7-6(5) 6-2.
Just seen video footage of Federer heading to his dressing room in the bowels of the O2. Have to say he looks extremely composed. Mind you, that's not surprising given the number of times that he has been in this position. He will also no doubt have taken a lot of confidence from the way he disposed of Murray last night. On paper it looked a tricky tie for Federer, but he made light work of the world number three.
The same can't be said about Djokovic's semi-final. Although, a lot of credit has to go to Del Potro. For a set and a half he was simply too powerful for Djokovic - that's something you don't say too often! However, Djoko held in there like a true champion and eventually pulled himself through. He was on court a lot longer than Federer though. Perhaps that may play a part this evening.
By the way, just to keep you in the loop. The doubles final between Bhupathi/Bopanna and Granollers/Lopez has gone into a final-set tie-break. The Spaniards currently lead 8-3 (first to 10).
And Granollers/Lopez are the champions in what is their debut outing at the tournament. That is some achievement! Both of these players are expected to be part of the Spanish Davis Cup team for next weekend's World Cup final against the Czech Republic. Will it be the start of a memorable week for them?
With the doubles now completed and the presentation due to take place shortly, Djokovic and Federer are expected to be on court at around 8pm. Can't wait!
While we wait for the players to emerge, take a look at this footage of Djokovic vs. Federer at the 2010 US Open. With the semi-final locked a two sets apiece, the pair produced one of the most memorable final sets in recent memory. Here are some of the best bits:
Djokovic's coach Marian Vajda has just been speaking to Sky Sports News: Here's some of what he had to say: "Practice was very relaxed. This is a special moment and he has worked very hard. It's also special to play Roger, it cannot be better. They are both excellent players."
"I feel fine. It's been a long week but I'm going to try my best one last time before I can rest. I'm going to try and play my game and use what has worked," Federer has just said his pre-match interview.
"This is the last match of the season and I'm sure we want to give our best. It's a big challenge. Whenever we play it is a very close match," adds Djokovic.
Right, here come the players. After yesterday's meeting with Murray, there's no doubt regarding how big Federer's support will be!
First big moment of the night goes the way of Federer. He has won the toss and opts to serve. It seems as though he is keen to get himself in front early and put pressure on his Serbian opponent.
Not long now until we are off and running. The players have just taken their seats for the final time. Warm-ups done. Here we go. Federer will serve.
ACE! What a way for Federer to start this final. He sends an ace down the inside which leaves Djokovic stranded.
Stunning start from Federer. He added another ace there on his way to producing a love hold. Over to you Djokovic.
Well, well. It could get even better for Federer here. He has three break points...
BREAK! When Federer went to bed last night, he couldn't have dreamt that his start would be this good. Djokovic looked incredibly uncomfortable and opened up with a double fault. He's yet to get a point.
There was bit more fight from Djokovic there, but Federer gets the hold in the end. One point in particular included a 20+-shot rally that had both players scampering all over the court. Brilliant stuff from Fed so far.
He was taken all the way to deuce, but Djokovic finally gets a score on the board. The winning point was a stunning one from Novak, who sent the ball down the line with such power that Federer had no time to respond.
Now it's Djokovic's turn to have a break point...
BREAK! Got him! That is smash and grab tennis from Djokovic. I did not see that coming at all but the Serb has dug deep and got the break back. He forced Federer to commit errors for the first time so far. We're now on serve.
Again Federer takes Djokovic to deuce but once again the Serb holds. Both players have now found their range and are beginning to land some impossible-looking shots!
Very, very good hold from Federer. He sends Djokovic all over the court and only allows his opponent the one point. Djokovic is yet to produce a service game like that.
And there is the easy hold. Fair play Federer got up to 30, but there never looked to be any other outcome than a Djokovic hold. We've now got a final on our hands.
Wow. Break point for Djokovic, who has advantage thanks to some neat net play...
But a great second serve from Federer keeps him alive in this game. A wasted chance for Djokovic.
Federer fires long and as a result Djokovic has another break point. This game has lasted longer than seven minutes.
Once again though Djokovic is wasteful and he fires the ball long. Back to deuce.
Third break point for Djokovic for coming up...
BREAK! Third time lucky for Djokovic. He forces the mistake from Federer and he will now serve for the opening set.
Going back to how Djoko earned his third break point in the game. His body weight was going the other way to where Federer had planted the ball, but he somehow readjusted himself to send a backhand stroke across the court and beyond Federer. Best shot of the tournament, no doubt.
Set point for Djokovic...
But the world number one drives the ball into the net from the back of the court. Federer is still alive in this set, just! Deuce.
Now it's break point to Federer as Djokovic goes too long. This is crazy!
BREAK! Djokovic can only hit the net and Federer lives to fight another day. Djoko was 30-0 up in that game. That has got to sting. What a set of tennis this has been.
That is brilliant tennis from Federer. Having just broke when he looked to be losing the set, the Swiss keeps up the pressure with a string of winners - one of which forced Djokovic to dive. His landing was heavy and he has taken a knock to his knee and elbow. Hopefully he will be okay.
There is actually a break in play for Djokovic, who is receiving treatment on his wounds. There's actually quite a bit of blood on his arm there. Let's just hope it doesn't hamper his performance.
But he's back up now and serving to take this set into a tie-break...
Big, big hold for Djokovic. He was 0-30 down there, but he battled back to take the game. It's tie-break time.
Djokovic *1-0 Federer
Djokovic *2-0 Federer
Djokovic 2-1* Federer
Djokovic 2-2* Federer
Djokovic *2-3 Federer
Djokovic *3-3 Federer
Djokovic 4-3* Federer
Djokovic 4-4* Federer
Djokovic *5-4 Federer
Djokovic *5-5 Federer
Djokovic 6-5* Federer - Set point Djokovic
Djokovic 6-6* Federer
Djokovic *7-6 Federer - Set point Djokovic
SET! At the third time of asking Djokovic takes the set with a flat forehand across the court. That tie-break summed up the match so far - fantastic. Either player could have won it. As it was, Djokovic came out on top. The opening set was always going to be important and he has sent out a message to Federer.
Interesting start to this second set. Federer has a break point...
But he just drifts the ball wide. There was inches in that. Deuce.
A wide shot from Djokovic brings up another break point for Federer though...
He goes wide again though. That was a poor backhand from Federer, who is usually so reliable down that wing. Deuce.
We're still going in this game. Djokovic has had three game points, but Federer keeps pegging him back. It's deuce once again.
And now Federer has another break point...
But another chance bites the dust for Federer. He may end up regretting those missed opportunities.
Here's another chance though! Break point Federer...
BREAK! It took over 10 minutes, but Federer eventually got the break. Remember though, this happened at the start of the first set.
The perfect hold for Federer - a love one. He's now two games to the good at the start of this second set. Expecting a response from Djokovic now though.
And there is the response. Djokovic holds comfortably and puts some pressure on the Federer serve. He buckled during the first set. Can he hold his nerve this time around?
ACE! A stinging serve from Federer brings up the hold. Djokovic pushed him hard there and took the game all the way to deuce.
Big chance for Federer now. He has a break point...
But his forehand shot finds the top of the net and drops down on his side. Deuce.
And just like that Djokovic gets the hold as Federer sends the ball wide. It was around this point in the first set where Djokovic broke back.
Important hold for Federer, who has kept his nose ahead. A break of serve now would set him up nicely to force a decider.
But there is no charity from Djokovic as the Serb records a comfortable hold. Unlike earlier in this match, these two are currently rattling through their respective service games.
Big moment in this match. Djokovic has a break point...
ACE! Incredible reply from Federer, who bombs an ace straight past Djokovic to bring up deuce. If you're going to lose a break point, that's the best way to do it I suppose!
That was a huge test for Federer and he passes with flying colours in the end. Djokovic looks a confused man right now. He had several chances during that game but lost the big points.
If truth be told Federer did not look too concerned with trying to break in that game. He seemed to be conserving his energy for his upcoming service game. Hold here and we are going the distance.
Two set points Federer...
But he spurns both. Two unforced errors! What a time to produce those. Deuce.
What a turn of events this is. Break point Djokovic...
BREAK! That is why Djokovic is regarded as the world's best. He was off balance during that point but somehow steadied himself to win a crucial break. Federer will be gutted. Two set points fell by the wayside.
Federer pushes hard to try and atone for his error in the last game but it's not enough - Djokovic holds. The Serb is now incredibly just one game away from the title.
The players are currently locked at 30-30 in this crucial game...
Championship point Djokovic...
GAME, SET AND THE CHAMPIONSHIP NOVAK DJOKOVIC!
What a wonderful backhand stroke from Djokovic to secure the title. He's ranked number one in the standings and proved that right tonight. Spare a thought for Federer though - he spurned big points that normally he would have taken. What a match!
Stay tuned because we are hoping to catch some reaction from both players...
Federer: "Congratulations Novak on an amazing year - you're the best. For me it has been a great season as well. I cannot play much better than I have today. I'm hopeful that I will be able to come back next year. I'm proud to take part in this tournament."
Djokovic: "It's an extreme honour for me to be here. It's one of the best tournaments that we have around. It's been a fantastic season and I cannot thank enough my team. Without them it wouldn't be possible."
And that is about it for our coverage from the O2 Arena. Hopefully you've enjoyed all that we have produced over the past week. Thanks for joining us, it is much appreciated. No doubt we will be back for the Australian Open in January. Bring it on!
