Djokovic conquers Anderson for Abu Dhabi trophy

Published Dec 30, 2018

World No.1 Novak Djokovic reigned supreme at the Mubadala Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi, which featured eight of the ATP’s top players in an exhibition event.

It took him 30 shots and five match points to subdue Kevin Anderson in the final. Anderson, the defending champion, beat Hyeon Chung and Rafael Nadal (by default) to set up a final against Djokovic.

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An enthralling finals between World No 1 @DjokerNole and defending champion @KAndersonATP (4-6, 7-5, 7-5), scoring fans an impressive set of rallies! Novak Djokovic is the #MWTC 2018 CHAMPION. #KifakNovak pic.twitter.com/M7izcygar8
— Mubadala World Tennis Championship (@MubadalaWTC) December 29, 2018

The Serbian's 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 win over Anderson gave him his first trophy of 2019. He's next to begin official play at the Qatar Open in Doha. In the semifinals, Djokovic got revenge over his Paris conquerer, Karen Khachanov, in straight sets.

The three-day event had it all, from a Venus and Serena showdown...

The crowd favourite #WilliamsSisters put on a powerful performance tonight, keeping fans at the edge of their seats! @venuseswilliams takes back with her a win from her first time in #AbuDhabi (4-6, 6-3, 10-8) against @serenawilliams. #MWTC pic.twitter.com/Vfj3gpRwOv
— Mubadala World Tennis Championship (@MubadalaWTC) December 27, 2018

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...with Olympia Ohanian stealing that show:

Olympia was too cute cheering on Momma @serenawilliams and Auntie @Venuseswilliams in Abu Dhabi.

More Social 🐝 ---> https://t.co/aOlYsr8aAd

(📹: @alexisohanian) pic.twitter.com/1lZJ6m81vP
— wta (@WTA) December 29, 2018

To autograph signings…

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.@KarenKhachanov ahead of his match today, met fans at autograph signings, and spread some love at Hospitality! pic.twitter.com/9daw57CTcO
— Mubadala World Tennis Championship (@MubadalaWTC) December 29, 2018

...and clinics:

A fresh take on tennis and tricks today with @stefbojic , tennis freestyle superstar at the clinic with the ball kids! #MWTC #Tennis #Freestyle #AbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/Fo4pNMoVgq
— Mubadala World Tennis Championship (@MubadalaWTC) December 29, 2018

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As well as a cooking performance by Anderson:

.@KAndersonATP tries his hand at cooking today with @SaadiyatRotana! Watch him serve his specialty (tennis!) later today at 5pm, against @RafaelNadal. Buy your tickets for the semi-finals here - https://t.co/g3xRUwISvc #AywaAnderson #MWTC pic.twitter.com/9hB82rY54X
— Mubadala World Tennis Championship (@MubadalaWTC) December 28, 2018

The tournament had no shortage of fan entertainment. Both the ATP and WTA 2019 season has already begun but if you're still seeking more exhibition-style action, the Hopman Cup is just underway.

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Djokovic conquers Anderson for Abu Dhabi trophy

**Hopman Cup (Sat - Sat 12.29 - 1.5)

• Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev, Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber headline the Hopman Cup. Watch live coverage on Tennis Channel Plus beginning Saturday 12/29 at 9:00pm ET.**

**ATP/WTA Brisbane (Sun - Sun 12.30 - 1.6)

• Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Naomi Osaka and Sloane Stephens open their 2019 seasons in Brisbane. Live coverage from three courts begins on Tennis Channel Plus on Sunday 12/30 at 8:00pm ET.**

**WTA Auckland (Sun - Sun 12.30 - 1.6)

• Catch the action from the ASB Classic including Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki. Live coverage begins on Tennis Channel Plus on Sunday 12/30 at 8:00pm ET.**

**WTA Shenzhen (Sat - Sat 12.29 - 1.5)

• Watch first to last ball action from the Shenzhen Open featuring Maria Sharapova and Jelena Ostapenko beginning Saturday 12/29 at 11:00pm ET.**

**ATP Pune (Mon - Sat 12.31 - 1.5)

• Watch Kevin Anderson, Marin Cilic and Hyeon Chung live from Pune starting Monday 12/31 at 6:30am ET.**

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