Monday 1 August 2016 11:12, UK
Novak Djokovic got back to winning ways ahead of the Olympic Games by beating Kei Nishikori in straight sets in the Rogers Cup final in Toronto.
The world No 1's hopes of a calendar Grand Slam were shattered at Wimbledon after a shock third round exit against Sam Querrey but he put that disappointment behind him in Canada, winning 6-3 7-5 ahead of his bid to win gold in Rio.
Victory here ensured Djokovic's fourth Rogers Cup triumph and secured his 30th ATP Masters title.
The 29-year-old had won each of the past eight meetings between the pair going into the final and looked sure to make it nine when he took the opening set in just over 30 minutes.
However, Djokovic had to dig deep during a spirited back and forth in the final stages of the hardcourt match before eventually overcoming Nishikori, who is ranked sixth in the world.
Djokovic said he found form at the right time in Toronto, taking the opening matches to get his rhythm back following his early exit in London.
"I felt great since I arrived in Canada, I felt the love from the crowd. It wasn't easy for the tournament not to have some of the top players who pulled out from the event but it was still a very successful tournament," he told Sky Sports.
"First couple of matches I was still trying to find the rhythm on the court and my comfort zone in the shots and confidence level.
"I raised the level of my game as the tournament progressed and today was the best performance of the tournament at the right time so hopefully I can carry this win and this confidence into Rio as well."
The world No 1 said he did not feel as though he had something to prove after a disappointing Wimbledon campaign.
"I don't play from the emotion of proving to somebody else who I am and what I can do," he said.
"I really enjoy playing tennis and I was looking forward to competing again because I needed that break and that early loss at Wimbledon has allowed me to have an extra week where I can recuperate, spend time with the family and think about something else.
"As soon as I recharged my batteries I was up and running and I'm really glad to start off the hard court season with a win."
