Roger Federer of Switzerland waves to the crowd after losing to Rafael Nadal of Spain in their men's singles semifinal tennis match at the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London, Nov 10, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

No reprieve

It was one step forward and two back, however, for the 32-year-old who double-faulted in a poor service game to hand Nadal another chance to serve for the set and this time there was to be no reprieve.

When a limp Federer forehand nose-dived into the net on break point at 2-2 in the second, the belief seemed to drain out of the Swiss and the end came quickly as Nadal maintained his stranglehold over the 17-times Grand Slam champion he has now beaten on eight of their last 10 matches.

Nadal was typically generous, offering some encouraging words for Federer who has at least ended the year looking a little more like his old self having beaten Juan Martin del Potro and Richard Gasquet here.

"I think he should be happier about the way he finished the season than compared how he was three months ago," Nadal said.

"I am sure today he was a little bit tired after the match of yesterday. I am sure that he will have the chance to start the next season in good condition and he will be one of the candidates to win in Australia."

It was left to Wawrinka to fly the Swiss flag but the world number eight ran into an unforgiving Djokovic.

Wawrinka did slot away a volley to break Djokovic's serve early on but was immediately broken back when he framed a forehand high into the rafters.

Try as he might to get the ball past the elastic-limbed Djokovic, Wawrinka could not bludgeon his way through and another dropped service game put the Serb in control.

Wawrinka, who twice pushed Djokovic to five-sets in the year's standout matches at the Australian and US Opens, held on grimly in the second set but could only applaud at one point as Djokovic somehow reached a certain winner and clawed a forehand across the bows of the in-rushing Swiss.

Two breaks in the second set completed the Djokovic masterclass and a 14th consecutive win over Wawrinka.

"I didn't have enough energy today...against him, that makes a big difference," Wawrinka said.