Defending champion Novak Djokovic has recorded his second win at the ATP Finals but still faces the possibility of not qualifying for the semi-final stage of the tournament.
The world No.1 beat Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-1, in what is his seventh consecutive win over the Pole in his career. Djokovic, who is aiming to win the season-ending title for a record seventh time, fired 23 winners and won 75% of his first serving points en route to his 53rd Tour win of the season. However, he could be knocked out of the tournament tonight if Holger Rune beats Jannik Sinner. Djokovic dropped a set against Rune in his opening match and then lost to Sinner.
I lost the set it’s normal,” a bemused Djokovic replied when quizzed about looking upset during the second set.
“It was a good win, thank you.” He added before leaving his on-court interview with TennisTV after barely 30 seconds of speaking.
After his defeat to Sinner on Tuesday, Djokovic came into his latest match knowing that a poor performance could prove fatal to his title chances. Meanwhile, Hurkacz had nothing to lose after coming into the draw as a replacement for Stefanos Tsitsipas with an extra incentive that victory would reward him an extra $390,000 in prize money.
Taking to the court, Djokovic appeared at times to be agitated and glared towards his camp in the crowd. The Serbian’s past two matches this week lasted more than three hours and he opted not to conduct a practice session yesterday to rest. Throughout the opener, there was little to distinguish between both players as 12 games went by without a single break point opportunity arising.
However, the tiebreak was the exact opposite with the top seed storming his way through at the expense of his opponent’s mistakes. Djokovic registered four mini-breaks against Hurkacz with each one of them being achieved due to a forehand unforced error from the Pole. A somewhat anti-climatic outcome to the 55-minute opener.
The match momentum took a turn five games into the second frame with Djokovic falling behind 0-40 before hitting a double fault to gift his opponent a break for 3-2. At one stage the world No.11 won 13 points in a row to dictate proceedings. Djokovic’s mood deteriorated further after failing to convert two break back points when down 3-4 as he faced some heckling from the crowd. Paving the way for Hurkacz to force a decider.
After the blip, the 24-time Grand Slam winner regained control in the third set by winning four out of the first five games played against his erratic rival. Rewarding him enough of a margin to close seal yet another roller-coaster victory at the Pala Alpitour.
“I really don’t care. I did my job, so let’s see what happens. If I qualify for semis, I’ll think about it tomorrow.” Djokovic told the Tennis Channel when asked if he would send some ‘inspirational texts’ to Sinner ahead of his clash with Sinner.
As a result of the score, Sinner has qualified for the semi-final stage regardless of how he performs in his evening match against Rune. He has become the first Italian to reach the last four of the ATP Finals in its 54-year history.
Green Group scenarios
- If SINNER defeats RUNE, then SINNER wins the group and DJOKOVIC qualifies 2nd.
- If RUNE defeats SINNER in 2 sets, then RUNE wins the group and SINNER qualifies 2nd.
- If RUNE defeats SINNER in 3 sets, then RUNE wins the group and SINNER qualifies 2nd.
