Djokovic downs Nadal in final

Novak Djokovic won his first title of 2016 on Saturday, playing "perfect" tennis to thrash arch-rival Rafael Nadal in straight sets during the Qatar Open final.

The near faultless world number one cruised to victory 6-1, 6-2 in a match lasting just one hour, 13 minutes. The win not only secured the 60th career title for the Serb but also means he is leading for the first time in his head-to-head battle with Nadal, winning 24 of the 47 matches they have now played against each other.

"I played pretty much perfect tennis today from the very beginning I managed to get every shot the way I wanted," said Djokovic afterwards.

He added that he was playing the best tennis of his career: "It did feel as close to perfection as it can get.

"From the first to the last point I managed to impose my own tactical approach and strategy and what I have kind of prepared myself for, and the conditions were played to my favour."

Nadal cut a forlorn figure after the match and said he'd never seen anyone produce a performance like Djokovic's.

"Well, for the match is easy to analyse," Nadal told reporters. "I played against a player who did everything perfect. I know nobody playing tennis like this ever. Since I know this sport I never saw somebody playing at this level."

He told reporters in Spanish that Djokovic's play had been "stratospheric".