Djokovic sets sights on 2019 after 'phenomenal season'

Novak Djokovic set his sights on the Australian Open after a painful defeat in the ATP Finals at the hands of Alexander Zverev took some of the gloss off an incredible season.

The Serbian world number one looked unbeatable heading into Sunday's final, winning all four of his matches in London in straight sets and not dropping serve once.

But his 21-year-old opponent showed no fear at a packed O2 Arena, trading heavy blows with his illustrious opponent from the back of the court and outlasting him in long rallies to win 6-4, 6-3.

A sanguine Djokovic was eager to put the defeat into context after a memorable second half of the season, during which he has clambered back to the top of the men's game from the lowly ranking of 22 he found himself in as recently as June.

"Obviously no one likes to lose a tennis match," he said. "You try your best. But at the same time, as I said on the court, you put things in a larger perspective, see things a bit differently.

"When you get out of this feeling of a little bit disappointment that you lost, I mean, all the positive things that I have to reflect on and also take from this season, especially the last six months."
- Serving power -
=================