TURIN, Italy (AP) — Novak Djokovic claimed a record-equaling sixth ATP Finals title by beating the third-seeded Casper Ruud on Sunday to prime a improbable end to the season for the Serb.
Djokovic received 7-5, 6-3 to safe his first title on the occasion since 2015 and match Roger Federer’s report.
The 35-year-old Djokovic, who had misplaced his two earlier finals on the occasion, raised his arms out and smiled broadly after sealing the match with an ace.
“Seven years has been a very long time,” Djokovic stated. “On the identical time, the truth that I waited seven years makes this victory even sweeter and even greater.
“Quite a lot of nerves … I missed a few forehands within the final recreation once I was serving for it. I had nerves, however I’m actually grateful to have the ability to serve the match out. I had a giant ace to shut out.”
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Djokovic turned the oldest champion on the prestigious year-end event and likewise earned the most important payday in tennis historical past as he walked away with $4.7 million for claiming the ATP Finals trophy undefeated.
“I made him run, made him play,” Djokovic stated. “I used to be seeking to be very aggressive and it labored nice. I’m actually happy with the efficiency.”
It was Ruud’s fourth defeat in a serious championship match this yr after additionally dropping finals at Miami, Roland Garros and the U.S. Open. Ruud has by no means received a set in opposition to Djokovic in 4 conferences.
“It has been a yr of many highs, some actually massive highs. After all, some lows,” Ruud stated. “I stay up for the following season already.”
Djokovic began strongly in Turin and had two break factors in Ruud’s very first service recreation. The Norwegian managed to recuperate though he was additionally compelled to save lots of one other break level within the eighth recreation.
Djokovic lastly broke Ruud’s serve on the fourth time of asking. And it was at an important second, on set level, and the Serbian ecstatically pumped his fist within the air after Ruud despatched a backhand lengthy.
The seventh-seeded Djokovic broke once more within the fourth recreation of the second set and there was no approach again for Ruud.
Djokovic has ended the yr with an 18-1 report after successful trophies in Tel Aviv and Astana earlier than reaching the Paris Masters remaining. His 5 titles this season additionally embrace triumphs at Wimbledon and in Rome.
