Novak Djokovic won his first title of 2016 on Saturday, thrashing arch-rival Rafael Nadal in straight sets during a breathtaking performance at the Qatar Open final.

Just as 2015 was the year of Djokovic, with the Serbian player establishing an extraordinary degree of dominance over the ATP World Tour as he won three of the year's four Grand Slams and a record six Masters 1000 Series titles, it was the year in which Djokovic established ascendancy over Nadal. To win against a player like Nadal, this easily gives me a great deal of confidence going into the Australian Open.

Djokovic was full of praise for Nadal in his post-match press conference, describing the Spaniard as one of the best to ever pick up a racquet. "This trophy will hold a special place in my heart as this reminds me of someone closer, who is not with me anymore".

Although Nadal held his next serve, Djokovic served out to win the game and seal victory i n their 47th ATP World Tour meeting - and go 24-23 ahead. "Since I know this sport, I never saw somebody playing at this level", Nadal said.

"So he's one of the best players in the history of the game for a reason, and I'm sure that after last year's season that was not up to his standards, he's willing to do something else and improve his game".

The Serb and the Spaniard wasted no time in renewing their rivalry in 2016, but Djokovic cruised from the start.

The World No. 1 finished things off emphatically on his serve, taking the first set 6-1 in dominant fashion.

"Every time we play against each other there's a lot at stake regardless of where we play", Djokovic said.

"I am fairly pleased with how I played in Perth", Murray said. Playing to a high level and trading well from the back of the court, Djokovic came from a break down in the second set and actually served for it before Nadal closed out to claim the title. I am playing well, and I am going to work hard to try and be ready for Australia.

"He played so insane with awesome shots", Nadal said of Kuznetsov via USA Today.

Wawrinka, the two-time defending champion who won his first title here in 2011 after finishing runner-up in 2010, dominated the 65-minute match against third-seeded Paire with his strong serve, and saved his lone break point in the second set.

Unfortunately for Nadal the effort exerted in attempting to break the Serb's serve would instantly be felt, with the Eastern European breaking instantaneously to grab a 2-0 lead. Nadal has dropped two sets but has looked sharp this tournament.