In Djokovic’s remarkable achievements in 2011, careful scheduling was a key factor, when he won 10 titles, including three at Grand Slam level. Djokovic grabbed the chance for some rest and relaxation in the wake of his Melbourne triumph, with the Olympic Games denying the top players their usual break between Wimbledon and the US hard-court season. He has almost 3,000-point lead in the rankings over No. 2 Rafael Nadal and is still the ATP’s top dog. In January, he defended his Australian Open championship. He became the third man after Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi to win at least three titles in Key Biscayne. This year, the Serb improved to 20-2 and 90-8 since the start of 2011. At the Sony Ericsson Open, he did not lose a set in six rounds.

Throughout the match, Murray’s serve was bullied by the world number one. This was his first title of the year since the Australian Open 6-1 7-6 (7-4). Despite being taken to deuce in four of his six service games, the Scot somehow forced a second set tiebreak, but Djokovic had adequate answers to achieve a triumphant title defense and reclaim his supremacy over his long-time contender.

Djokovic produced the type of precise power hitting that has elevated him to the top of the world rankings so Murray was ineffective, although he held his opening service game. The Serbian, before comfortably serving out the first set in 47 minutes, broke Murray’s next two service games.

Murray somehow held on to his opening three service games after being taken to deuce on each occasion. He has to battle to keep his hope alive. At 5-5, he was again taken to deuce where he went on to win the point and the game, where the Scot seemed to call for a line review.

The victory extended Federer’s record to 2-0 at the season-ending event.

Federer, the world’s No. 2-ranked men’s player, looked unbeatable at the O2 Arena. He dropped just eight points on his serve in the match — three in the first set and five in the second.

“It’s a bit strange,” said Federer, who won 63 points to Murray’s 43. “Andy’s a good returner, one of the best we have in the game.”

But Federer didn’t just manage the match with his serve, he also forced Murray into long rallies when he was receiving. He pulled forehands to his left and hit them to his right, and the 16-time Grand Slam champion waited for his British opponent to make the errors or set up his winners.

“I don’t think Andy played his best match for sure,” Federer said of Murray, who made 26 unforced errors.

Later Tuesday, Robin Soderling was to face David Ferrer in the other Group B match. Federer can advance to the semifinals depending on the late result.

On Monday, top-ranked Rafael Nadal rallied to beat Andy Roddick 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 and third-ranked Novak Djokovic defeated Tomas Berdych 6-3, 6-3.

Number 6 seed Janko Tipsarevic and number 5 seed Ernests Gulbis both won their first round matches in straight sets, on Monday July 26. Rainer Schuettler, veteran German won his opening match as Horacio Zeballos, his opponent walked away with an injury. Xavier Malisse was taken out by Israeli Dudi Sela 6-1 4-6 6-3.

Travis Parrott and Dusan Vemic were defeated by the duo of Arnaud Clement and Johnathan Erlich, on the double’s side. Somdev Devvarman, Tim Smyczek, Ilija Bozoljac and wild card American Steve Johnson were the winners who were featured in the final qualifying matches, on the opening day.

With some great matches from the Americans, the singles and doubles, action at Los Angeles continued on Tuesday July 27. Against Kristof Vliegen and Ilja Bozoljac, Robby Ginepri and Ryan Sweeting were victorious, respectively. Over Leonardo Mayer, James Blake had a solid win 6-1 6-4. Gabashvilli was taken out by American qualifier Smyczeck 6-2 6-3. At Atlanta last week, Kevin Anderson of South Africa, who reached the semifinals, won his first round match 6-3 6-2 over Ilya Marchenko. Steve Johnson was defeated by Indian Somdev Devvarman 6-4 6-4, in the battle between two qualifiers.

From first round matches, Top seeds Murray, Baghdatis, Querrey and Lopez were excused and got byes into the second round.

Novak Djokovic returns to defend his title and continue his push up the rankings as he now is the #2 player in the world. World #1 Roger Federer is fresh off his victory at The Australian Open and he is scheduled to compete.

Other notables include Australian Open runner up Andy Murray, and Juan Martin Del Potro. Maybe one of the hottest players on the circuit, Nikolay Davydenko will be in Dubai as will Marin Cilic. Andy Roddick, who has had prior success in Dubai will be returning as will strong contingents from Spain and France.

It’s always good weather, and it’s always good tennis as the world’s best meet in Dubai for a great showcase of tennis.