Djokovi KEEP N0 1

With one last lunge of 2012, Novak Djokovic sent an astonishing backhand pass down the line, over the highest point of the net, to leave Roger Federer flailing despairingly in defeat.

If there is a signature for the current golden era of men’s tennis it is the 25-year-old Serb’s extraordinary ability to cover the court and deliver winners from anywhere, and this is the image that will linger as the sport heads into its brief off-season.

That parting shot sealed a 7-6, 7-5 victory over the indoor master himself, who brought his best game to the court and his Barmy Army to the O2 Arena but still found it was not enough to win the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Simply the best: Novak Djokovic holds the ATP World Tour Finals trophy after beating Roger Federer

Novak's roar: Djokovic went wild after clinching victory in the season-ending showpiece

There have been disappointments in between and although the major spoils have been shared among the Big Four, his consistency has seen him emerge way ahead of the pack, as the rankings will confirm on Tuesday morning.

Second best: Federer was edged out after two sets of the highest quality tennis

Second best: Federer was edged out after treating the fans to two sets of the highest quality tennis

Power games: Djokovic blasts a forehand against Federer at the ATP World Tour Finals in London

Try as Federer did with his sweetly-struck drives and rushes to the net, Djokovic was too often there to meet them.

As Federer said: ‘A lot of guys move well but even in defence Novak stays on the offensive and takes time away from you. I don’t think I could have played much better.’

Appropriately, the last match of the season featured the world’s top two players. This pair have proved themselves better and more durable than the rest over a sustained period and only Andy Murray and a fit Rafael Nadal belong in the same bracket.