Novak Djokovic beat Russia's Nikolay Davydenko 6-1, 7-5 today to win the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai.

The Australian Open champion, 21, completely dominated the experienced Russian in the first set and looked on course for an empathic quickfire win.

Davydenko responded in the second set but Djokovic deservedly claimed the title in one hour and 42 minutes to take home a cheque for $1.24million after winning the eight-man showpiece.

The Serbian, who last won a title this year on the clay in Rome, went 0-3 on his Masters Cup debut 12 months ago, but this year followed up wins over Juan Martin del Potro and Davydenko in the round robin stage with a hard-fought semi-final victory against Gilles Simon yesterday.

Miami Masters champion Davydenko defeated in-form world No 4 Andy Murray in his last four clash after earlier beating Del Potro and Jo Wilfried-Tsonga.

Djokovic claimed an early 2-0 first set lead as Davydenko plunged a backhand into the net on the second of two break points after the Serbian capitalised on the Russian's second serve. An emphatic love service game extended the advantage with Djokovic's forehand up and running and causing Davydenko serious problems. After unsuccessfully arguing a line call at 0-15 after waiting too long to consult hawkeye, Davydenko dumped a backhand volley into the net to give Djokovic three more breaks points. The Russian survived one after Djokovic drifted a half-volley wide, but then sent a wayward backhand into the tramlines to hand the Serb a fully deserved 4-0 lead after just 17 minutes.

Djokovic's first ace sealed another simple service game before Davydenko finally got on the board after battling to convert just his second game point opportunity.

With Djokovic serving for the set, Davydenko had the Serb on the ropes at 15-40 but after the Russian netted a forehand and Djokovic pulled out a big serve to level, he claimed a completely one-sided first set in 32 minutes with a cross-court backhand. Djokovic's dominance continued as a 2-1 second set lead was quickly established with another break of the Davydenko serve after the Russian shipped his first double fault to hand his opponent a second break point, which was taken with another unplayable forehand.

An animated Djokovic returned to his chair with a leaping fist-pump and had a chance to take a 4-1 lead, but despite Davydenko struggling to find a first serve, he survived with an ace on the second of two break points.

Serving to stay in the match as 5-3, Davydenko saved two championship points and then broke back to level at 5-5 after Djokovic double faulted at break point after saving the first with an ace. But Djokovic hit straight back with a break of his own and after racing out to a 40-0 lead, fired a big serve down the middle which Davydenko could only guide into the net to hand the Serb a third hardcourt title this year and eighth overall.