Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner split two Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings in the space of six days at the Nitto ATP Finals. As is so often the case, it was the Serbian World No. 1 who ensured he prevailed when it mattered most.
Djokovic gate-crashed Sinner’s party in style Sunday at Turin’s Pala Alpitour, where he avenged a group-stage defeat to the home favourite with a sublime championship-match display.
Having also defeated 20-year-olds Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune en route to the trophy, the 36-year-old yet again proved he remains the man to beat for the ATP Tour’s top young talent.
“When they play me, I want them to feel that it’s going to require the best tennis from them in order to win against me,” said Djokovic in his post-match press conference after beating 22-year-old Sinner.
”That’s what I want my opponents to feel, no doubt, because that helps mentally coming into the match.
“I think the more I win on the biggest stage, the more this kind of aura grows, and I’m glad for it. Of course, that’s not going to win you the match, but it might give you the little percentage, the little edge.”
Djokovic will celebrate more than just moving clear of Roger Federer’s Nitto ATP Finals title tally on Monday.
He will also begin a historic 400th week atop the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, having already sealed the ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by Pepperstone honour for a record-extending eighth time with his opening group-stage win in Turin.
Credit: ATP Tour
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