Even when Roger Federer had the lead, Novak Djokovic had the answers.

The top-ranked Serb recovered from early breaks in both sets and beat Federer 7-6 (6), 7-5 Monday, Nov 12 in the championship match at the ATP finals.

Federer broke Djokovic's serve to take a quick 2-0 lead in the first set, and then again to open to the second, but both times the world's No. 1 player rebounded to get back into the match.

"It's not the first time that Roger starts against me so well," Djokovic said. "I've experienced before his aggressivity, really trying to put his mark on the match. It's what he's done again."

Federer indeed started well, winning the opening nine points and 12 of the first 14 to take a 3-0 lead. He then won the first point of the fourth game, but Djokovic finally held his serve – and soon broke back, AP reported.