Djokovic claims record seventh Nitto ATP Finals title
Novak Djokovic defeated home favorite Jannik Sinner in the Nitto ATP Finals title match on Sunday. After an unrivaled performance, the 36-year-old now holds a season finale high seven titles.
In a 6-3, 6-3 victory over the Italian, the Serbian was at his best, dropping only two points in his first seven service games to surge ahead and then expertly navigating a tense close to the one-hour, 43-minute match.
“It’s one of the best seasons I’ve had in my life, no doubt," Djokovic said. "To crown it with a win against a hometown hero in Jannik, who has played amazing tennis this week, is phenomenal."
Djokovic was defeated in the group stage by home favorite Sinner, but he overcame that defeat in the final, a feat he also accomplished against Roger Federer in the 2015 season finale. After eight years, the World No. 1 has broken a tie with the Swiss for the most Nitto ATP Finals titles.
Djokovic won 20 of 22 service points and landed 73% of his first serves in the first set against Sinner. He only needed 38 minutes to secure a quick-strike set.
Sinner's two unforced errors gave Djokovic the set's lone break in the fourth game, though replays showed the miss that brought up break point clipped the baseline. Sinner did not challenge. In the first set, the Serbian made only two unforced errors, both off his forehand.
Sinner worked hard to give the Italian crowd something to cheer about, but Djokovic had all the answers in a ruthless start to the match. Djokovic played so many points on the front foot behind pinpoint serving that long rallies were few and far between in the first hour of the match.
Sinner clawed his way to 15/40 for a chance to tie the second set at 3-3, raising the volume in the Pala Alpitour to new heights. Sinner earned his first break points with some big baseline cuts, aided by a brief dip from Djokovic, but the Serbian recovered with three big serves to hold for 4-2.
Sinner then fought through eight deuces to stay within striking distance after a 16-minute hold, and he flipped the pressure back to his opponent by opening up 0/30 for the second straight return game. But Djokovic responded once more, and he finished the crucial hold with his 13th ace of the match.
It would be the Serbian's final serve of the championship, as a Sinner double fault would end the match the following game.While the Italian raised his game to put pressure on Djokovic down the stretch, his 17 forehand unforced errors prevented him from maintaining the form that saw him enter the final with a 4-0 record
SportsLigue