Doha: Novak Djokovic won his first title of 2016 on Saturday, playing "perfect" tennis to thrash arch-rival Rafael Nadal in straight sets during a breathtaking performance at the Qatar Open final.


Novak Djokovic returns to Rafael Nadal in the Qatar Open final in Doha on Saturday. Pic/AFP 

A near faultless world number one cruised to victory 6-1, 6-2 in a match lasting just one hour 13 minutes. The win not only secured the 60th career title for the Serb but also means he is leading for the first time in his head-to-head battle with Nadal, winning 24 of the 47 matches they have now played against each other.