Djokovic wins 7th ATP Finals cup and surpasses Federer – 11/19/2023 – Sport

World number 1, Novak Djokovic, 36, defeated Italian Jannik Sinner, 22, by some distance, and became the greatest champion of the ATP Finals this Sunday (19). In the title decision, the Serb beat Sinner by 2 sets to 0 (6/3 and 6/3), in Turin, Italy.

Djokovic reached his seventh ATP Finals title, surpassing Swiss Roger Federer, who won six cups. Number 1 had already been champion in 2022, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2008.

In its 54th edition, the ATP Finals brings together the top eight in the rankings. With the title, Djokovic will receive a prize of US$4.4 million (R$21 million) and 1,500 ranking points.

Pushed by the local fans, the Italian, number 4 in the world, reached the final as the only undefeated player in the group stage. There were four victories in Turin, including the first of his career against Djokovic himself, by 2 sets to 1 (7/5, 6/7 and 7/6) in the initial phase.

In the title decision, however, the Serb redeemed himself and came out on top against an opponent 14 years younger. Djokovic was always ahead on the scoreboard and, in the first set, he managed seven aces, while the Italian made five unforced errors.

Sinner made fewer mistakes in the last set, but he saw Djokovic take a 2-0 lead and, in no time, was able to catch him. The match lasted 1 hour and 42 minutes.

Biggest winner of Grand Slam tournaments, with 24 cups, Djokovic reached his 98th title in 138 decisions. “One of the best seasons of my life. And to top it off with a victory over hometown hero Jannik, who played incredible this week,” said the No. 1, who has won 55 of 61 games this season.

This was the fifth match between Djokovic and Sinner, and the Serb’s fourth victory. Previously, Djokovic had already beaten the Italian in the round of 16 of the ATP Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo, in 2021, in the quarterfinals of Wimblendon, in 2022, and in the semifinals of the English Grand Slam this year.

In the semifinals of the ATP Finals, Djokovic also beat the world number 2, the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, with a little more ease, by 2 sets to 0 (6/3 and 6/2).

“I’m very proud of the performances against Alcaraz and Sinner, probably the two best in the world, behind me and [Daniil] Medvedev,” Djokovic said.