Djokovic thrashes debutant Schwartzman as Medvedev battles past Zverev

Novak Djokovic produced a masterclass on Monday to launch his campaign for a record-equaling sixth title at the ATP Finals as Daniil Medvedev outfought former champion Alexander Zverev.

Both as debutants at the event, Russian Andrey Rublev barely laid a glove on 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal during a straight sets loss and Diego Schwartzman looked equally powerless to prevent a sixth loss from six meetings with the clinical Djokovic, subsiding 6-3 6-2.

Novak Djokovic (L) of Serbia touches knuckles with Diego Schwartzman of Argentina after beating him at the ATP World Tour Finals in London, UK, November 16, 2020. /VCG

"It was close I think until I broke at 4-3. It was tough for Diego, first match in the arena he maybe wasn't playing his best in the closing moments of the first set," the 33-year-old world No. 1 said, who is bidding to win the title for the first time since 2015 and equal Roger Federer's six.

The Serb has enjoyed another sparkling season despite the coronavirus interruption, winning four titles including the Australian Open. He was also presented with the ATP's end-of-year No. 1 award for a record-equaling sixth time.

The O2 Arena is hosting the ATP Finals for the 12th and final season before the year-end championships moves to Turin next year.

Daniil Medvedev of Russia hits a forehand at the ATP World Tour Finals in London, UK, November 16, 2020. /VCG

Djokovic says not sure ATP Cup is happening

Djokovic says he still does not know whether the ATP Cup will take place in Australia in January. He led Serbia to the title in the first edition of the 24-nation tournament this year before going on to win the Australian Open for a record-extending eighth time.

Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley has said all the Australian Open warm-up events, including the ATP Cup, will be held in the state of Victoria next year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, although state premier Daniel Andrews said that is "not a done deal."

Novak Djokovic poses with his year-end ATP No. 1 trophy in London, UK, November 15, 2020. /VCG

Players will have to undergo a two-week quarantine period before being cleared to play in Australia ahead of the Melbourne Grand Slam, posing logistical problems as they would have to arrive in the country far earlier than usual.

This year's ATP Cup was staged across Brisbane, Perth and Sydney with the final in Sydney.

Men's tennis governing body the ATP declined to comment.

(With input from agencies)