Novak Djokovic will be bidding to win the sixth ATP Finals title at the O2 Arena in London after beating Nikolay Davydenko in 2008, Roger Federer in 2012, 2014 and 2015) and Rafael Nadal (2013) in his previous title matches at the end-of-year event. Djokovic has a record of 36 wins and 14 defeats in all his appearances at the ATP Finals.
The Belgrade native has won four titles this year at the Australian Open, Dubai, the Western and Southern Open in New York and Rome and has scored 39 match wins to just three loses during this 2020 season disrupted by the pandemic. He clinched his record-tying sixth year-end number 1 finish in the ATP Ranking. He passed Pete Sampras for second most weeks as World number 1 last September. He extended his record with the 8th career title at the Australian Open becoming the third male player in history to win eight titles at a Grand Slam event. In Melbourne he earned his 900th career win in the Australian Open first round against Jan Lennard Struff.
“Coming into the tournament knowing I already clinched the year-end number 1 releases some of the pressure definitely, but at the same time it doesn’t change what I hope to achieve in this tournament and why I am here. I really want to win every single match that I get to play an dtry to get my hands on the trophy and want this trophy as anyone here. I am really hoping that I can end this season in the best possible way and the success that I previously here in the past ten years helps me feel more comfortable about myself on the court”.
Djokovic will start his campaign in the O2 Arena on Monday against Argentine Diego Schwartzman, who reached the final at the Rome Masters 1000 and the semifinal at Roland Garros. The round-robin Group Tokyo 1970 also features Danil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev. Djokovic is 5-0 in his head-to-head matches against Schwartzman.
“Diego never played on this court but that probably is kind of releasing him from any pressure that he has to do well. He is in great form this year. It’s been the best season of his life, he deserves to be part of this tournament. I have lots of respect for him. He is a fierce competitor and one of the quickest players on the Tour”.
Djokovic leads 3-2 against Zverev and 4-2 against Medvedev. At the recent Paris Bercy tourament Medevev beat Zverev in the final to clinch his third Masters 1000 title.
“Zverev and Medvedev are probably in the best form of anyone at this tournament indoors. They have won two tournaments in a row and played in the finals in the finals in Paris. Those guys are very tall and have big serves and lots of weapons from the back of the court, solid backhands and forehands also. They are both complete players and they have similar styles. You have to be at your best to win against those guys the way they are playing indoors”, said Djokovic.
Djokovic is grateful to have the chance to play at the O2 Arena for the last time before the tournament moves to Turin in 2021 despite the lack of spectators due to the restrictions caused by the covid-19 pandemic. Players have already been accustomed to play behind closed doors“It will be strange to give a farewell to the O2 Arena without fans, but nevertheless we are grateful and lucky to have a chance to play this tournament here”, admitted Djokovic.
