Novak Djokovic claimed his fifth ATP Finals title in 2015. Novak was a dominant figure at the premium ATP event in the past four years, looking good to match Roger Federer’s record of six in the next couple of seasons. Instead, Djokovic is yet to lift the ATP Finals trophy after that year, suffering some tough losses and never going all the way.
Novak will have another chance to battle for the title the following Monday, standing as the favorite in Turin and making a winning start after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 64, 7-6. The Serb is aware of Federer’s record, setting his eyes on the trophy and another milestone in his collection.
Djokovic fired 23 winners and 15 unforced errors and denied the only break chance offered to Tsitsipas. The Greek lost serve in the encounter’s first game and played well after that to follow the rival’s pace and remain competitive until the second set’s tie break.
Novak Djokovic seeks his sixth ATP Finals title.
Djokovic created two break points in the first game and converted the second after Tsitsipas’ loose forehand. The Serb held at love in game two to cement the lead and fired a service winner at 2-1 to stay ahead.
Stefanos raised his level after an initial setback and served well in the rest of the set. Novak closed the eighth game with an ace and forced the opponent to serve to stay in the set. Tsitsipas grabbed the ninth game at 15 to reduce the deficit, hoping for a chance on the return in the next one.
Instead, Djokovic brought the tenth game home at 15 after Stefanos’ poor challenge for 6-4 in 37 minutes. Novak experienced only issues on serve in the second set’s fourth game. He saved a break point, and it was the last chance for the returners to threaten the servers ahead of the tie break.
Djokovic was flawless again, making no errors and keeping the pressure on the other side. He moved 3-1 in front with a backhand crosscourt winner and took the next point after Tsitsipas’ wayward forehand. Stefanos reduced the deficit to 5-4 with a forehand down the line winner and two service winners.
Djokovic earned two match points with a forehand down the line winner in the tenth point and sealed the deal with a service winner at 6-4 for a winning start. “Well, of course, I’m aware of Roger’s record. Making history is always a huge motivating factor for me.
It may not necessarily affect the whole focus of the specific match because I’m experienced enough. I know myself well and what I need to do to prepare for my next opponent, but I’m also aware of the possibility of chasing history again.
Being in that position is a great pleasure and an honor, motivating and inspiring me to play even better tennis,” Novak Djokovic said.
