Novak Djokovic has kicked-off his campaign for a record-equalling sixth title at the ATP finals with a clinical win over Diego Schwartzman.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion appeared to be slightly tentative early on before easing a 6-3, 6-2, victory in what was his first match since his shock loss at the Vienna Open last month. Djokovic is making his 13th appearance at the season-ending event compared to Schwartzman who is debuting at the age of 28. The showdown between the two saw the top seed fire seven aces and 23 winners as he broke four times to seal the win.
“At the beginning of the match it wasn’t that great from me. It was a close encounter until I broke him for 4-3 (in the first set),” Djokovic admitted afterwards.
“In the second set I started swinging for the ball a little bit more with a bit less hesitation. I was very pleased with the way I played.”
Heading into his latest match Djokovic boasted a commanding 5-0 winning record against his Argentine rival and had only ever dropped three sets against him on the ATP Tour. Although at The O2 the world No.1 initially looked a bit nervy early on as he dropped serve just three games into his clash with Schwartzman. Despite the blip, he managed to regain his footing by breaking back instantly as both men illustrated some blistering hitting. Gaining in momentum Djokovic worked his way to a 5-3 advantage after hitting a forehand winner to break for a second time in the match before sealing the opener with the help of a serve down the line his rival failed to return.
Continuing to dismantle Schwartzman, the five-time champion swiftly worked his way to a double break lead in the second set by winning four out of five games. Admirably his rival kept fighting on the court but it was too late to derail Djokovic. Serving for his 37th win at the ATP Finals, he closed the match out with a winning forehand volley at the net.
“It was a good opening match and I’m looking forward to the next one,” said the former champion.
The triumph extend Schwartzman’s hunt for his first ever win over a world No.1 player. He has now lost all eight of his encounters against a player at the top of the rankings but has defeated members of the top 10 twice this year.
“Everything is difficult against him,” Schwartzman said of Djokovic. “I think what he is doing when he is playing his best is that he is moving the ball from everywhere to everywhere on the court.’
“It is very difficult to know what he is going to do and try to make good points (against him). He’s moving the ball, doing winners and has a lot of talent when he has the chance to move the ball.”
Meanwhile Djokovic, who has already sealed the year-end No.1 spot, has now won 40 matches on the Tour this season against three losses. Furthermore, he has won 14 consecutive meetings against an Argentine player on the Tour since his loss to Juan Martin Del Potro at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
At the ATP Finals Djokovic will play Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev later this week. He has lost to both of those players twice in his career but does lead the head-to-heads.
“I’ve been playing the ATP Finals in this arena for many years and been blessed to experience some incredible matches. It feels very strange to be playing without any fans.” Djokovic commented on the atmosphere.
This year’s event is taking place without fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
