Novak Djokovic is undoubtedly one of the greatest tennis stars of all time. So, you could say he’s quite used to grabbing the headlines and breaking records. And, still to this day, the Serbian continues to do the latter and has recently just made history once again, and there could very well be more to come.
The milestone that Djokovic has reached is winning the Nitto ATP Finals singles title for what is a record-equalling sixth time in Turin, Italy. And, while tennis match betting online suggested the thirty-five-year-old was always in with a chance of winning the title for the sixth time, it’s the opportunity it presents that makes it even more interesting. Roger
Federer is the man Djokovic moved level on six wins with, so the chance is there for the latter to smash the former’s record next year.
Djokovic entered the tournament as the world number eight, and in doing so, also broke the record of becoming the oldest to win the competition in the entirety of its fifty-three- year history. Even as the world number eight, many fancied the Serbian to fare well from the outset, and the last man standing in his way of making it six wins at the event was Norway’s Casper Ruud . He made light work of the world number four, winning in straight sets 7-3 6-3 in just over ninety minutes. Djokovic, who has twenty-one Majors wins to his name, secured victory with an impressive ace before letting out a sigh of relief.
Victory in the Nitto ATP Finals has seen Djokovic’s ranking improve, with him closing out 2022 as world number five. It was a great year to finish business as an undefeated champion for Djokovic, who not only say a stunning $4.7 million come his way in prize money, but those crucial 1,500 Pepperstone ATP Rankings points too. And it’s these that
have enabled Djokovic to once again move in the right direction as he plans his return to the top of the sport. Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal, Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas are all now within his sights.
Speaking after defeating Ruud in the final, Djokovic said, “It is finals. Usually, these kinds of matches are decided by tiny margins.
“One break of serve was enough in both sets. I knew Casper was playing really well coming into this match. We both served really well, and I think in some decisive moments, like the twelfth game of the first set, I managed to put a few returns back in play.
“I made him run, made him play. I was really pleased with the way I played. I was looking to be very aggressive, and it worked great. I am really pleased with the performance,” he added.
Ruud was gracious in defeat and recognised the work of his team across the ATP year, “To my team, another year has passed on the ATP Tour.
“Thank you to everyone who helps me and pushes me every day, without you, it would not be possible. It has been a year of many highs, some really big highs. Of course, some lows. I look forward to the next season already.”
