A ruthless Novak Djokovic destroyed home favorite Jannik Sinner to win the ATP Finals title for a record seventh time on Sunday — reaching yet another milestone in his incredible career. The 36-year-old Serb lost to Sinner earlier in the week in the group stage but exacted sweet revenge with a sublime display to claim a 6-3 6-3 victory.
The first set was a virtual formality, with Djokovic dropping just two points on his serve as he wrapped up the opener in 40 minutes. The World No 1 was relentless on his serve, and once he broke Sinner in the fourth game of the second set, he never looked back.
Djokovic hit seven aces in the opening set and made only three unforced errors, putting the 22-year-old on the back foot early. Sinner finally threatened to break back in the third game, but a forehand error only gave him hope. However, a double fault in the next game ended any chance of a reprieve as Djokovic closed out the set with his sixth ace.
The second set was a similar affair, with the Serbian making just one unforced error in his first seven service games to race ahead. He was tested in the seventh game but expertly negotiated a 15-minute mini-epic to hold for 4-2 with Sinner unable to stay with him. The Italian pulled a point back in the ninth game, but Djokovic moved on to close out the match with his seventh ace.
It was a fitting end to an extraordinary season for the World No 1, who has won three of this year’s four Grand Slams. He has surpassed Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal to become the all-time most successful player in history with 24 Grand Slam titles.
It has been a remarkable year for the Serb, who has dominated the sport domestically and internationally. He will enter 2024 as the dominant force in tennis once again.
Djokovic will look to add a sixth successive ATP Tour title at the Qatar Open in Doha next month after winning all five of his matches this week. The World No 2 will play alternate Hubert Hurkacz and Jannik Sinner in his group on Tuesday and Wednesday and needs to avoid a shock against the German to secure a place in the semi-finals. If he wants to advance, he will also have to avoid a surprise defeat against Swiss qualifier Holger Rune in Thursday’s night session match.
