- As Azarenka wins in Brisbane
WORLD number one Novak Djokovic claimed his first title of the year with an impressive 6-1 6-2 win over Rafael Nadal in the Qatar Open.
The Serb continued his recent dominance of the 14- time Grand Slam title winner with a ninth victory in 10 meetings – the last five in straight sets.
The 28-year-old broke twice in both sets as Nadal, 29, had no answer to the pace and power of his groundstroke’s.
Djokovic is preparing to defend his Australian Open title from 18 January.
Meanwhile, Former world number one Victoria Azarenka won her first title since 2013 by beating Angelique Kerber in the Brisbane International final.
The unseeded Belarusian, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, beat the fourth-seeded German 6-3 6-1.
World number 22 Azarenka, 26, is preparing for the Australian Open, which starts on 18 January. She won in Melbourne in both 2012 and 2013.
Roger Federer and Milos Raonic will meet in the men’s final today.