Monday, 13 August 2012:

Novak Djokovic completed a trophy hat-trick in Canada as he won the ATP Masters 1000 event in Toronto with a 6-3 6-2 victory over Frenchman Richard Gasquet on Sunday.

The title was the first for the world No.2 since Miami more than four months ago and marked the third of a subdued season for the reigning Australian Open champion.

Djokovic and Gasquet went on court in the evening so as not to conflict with the London Olympic Games closing ceremony.

"This match was exceptional today. It's been a long week - a tough week, especially for players coming from the Olympics. But I'm glad I came here.

"I knew it would be almost impossible to repeat my 2011 season (70-11 record) - it would be a huge challenge.

"But I know that I'm playing well. I trust in my abilities and in my game.

"There will always be ups and downs but I'm playing with confidence right now."

The win was the seventh of eight for the Serb over Gasquet, who lost the 2006 final at the tournament to Roger Federer.

"It was a tough match and, against a guy like Djokovic, if you are not playing your best, you have no chance," said Gasquet.

"I had a very bad game at 4-3 and it made the difference. My confidence level was down. When you are losing with a guy like him, it's very difficult to come back.

"For sure, I want to play better, but I tried my best.

"My goal is to return to the top 20. I was there some years ago and I want to return."

Djokovic has won 31 career titles from 48 finals, with a dozen of those at the elite Masters 1000 level.

He also won the Canadian event in 2007 and 2011 when it was played in Montreal in an alternating arrangement.

The win tightens the race for the world No.1 ranking as Djokovic tries to claim the honour back from Roger Federer.

"I'm only thinking about winning this event now. I also want to do well next week (Cincinnati Masters) and hopefully win the US open again," said Djokovic, who saved three break points in the opening game but was never again threatened in his 61-minute victory.

AAP