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Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves the ball to Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych in their singles match...
A courtside entourage including former Argentine soccer great Diego Maradona watched Novak Djokovic open Group A at the ATP World Tour Finals on Monday with a 6-3 6-3 victory over Czech Tomas Berdych.The Serb dominated from start to finish against a player, whose form has deserted him since reaching the Wimbledon final in July, after he was gifted a service break in the first game.
A tense Berdych, the only debutant in the eight-man field, offered up two double faults and Djokovic completed the set when his opponent faltered again on his own delivery at 3-5.
The world number three quickly moved 3-0 ahead at the start of the second set and closed out victory in front of a subdued mid-afternoon crowd, which was far from a sellout.
It was the third one-sided match in a row at the season-ending showpiece that features world number one Rafael Nadal against Andy Rod**** later on Monday.
Djokovic said he was inspired by the presence of Maradona, who was also in the O2 Arena on Sunday, on his bench.
"Thanks for coming," the 23-year-old said after Maradona was greeted by a mixture of boos and cheers by the crowd. "It's a great honour having you around.
Djokovic also revealed a cheeky sense of humour, referencing Maradona's controversial "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final.
"When he came in during the middle of the first set, I wondered whether I should play with my legs or my hands," he said to laughter from the crowd."
(Editing by John Mehaffey; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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