Novak Djokovic came from a set down to edge Nicolas Almagro and successfully defend his World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi this afternoon.

Almagro took a surprise early lead after staying strong to claim a tense tie-break and in turn claim the first set.

The world number one came storming back, breaking twice in the second set to level an entertaining match, played at a serene pace.

Djokovic was forced to defend three break points early in the deciding set as Almagro went on the offensive.

Both players struggled on serve but it was Almagro who wilted when it mattered, dropping a crucial late game to hand the Serb victory.