Novak Djokovic has capped off another extraordinary year by winning the Nitto ATP Finals title, defeating Casper Ruud 7-5, 6-3 in the final.
Djokovic’s victory in Turin brings him level with Roger Federer as the only men to have won the Nitto ATP Finals six times. The Serb had previously won the title in 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Since returning to the tour in October after a two-month lay-off, Djokovic made the final in all four of his tournaments and won three titles.
Both men came into the final on the back of straight sets wins in the semi-finals on Saturday. In the opening set, Djokovic squandered breakpoint opportunities in the second and eighth games before claiming a decisive break of serve in the eleventh game of the set. Ruud was not given a chance to level the set as Djokovic comfortably held serve to seal the set.
Djokovic broke Ruud in the third game of the second set as he raced out to a 4-1 lead. Djokovic’s consistency and ability to hit his spots proved too much for Ruud to handle as Djokovic claimed a historic title. Djokovic won 85% of points on his first serve.
Post-match, Djokovic was delighted to have won another season-ending title.
“I missed a couple of forehands in the last game when I was serving for it. I had nerves, but I am really grateful to be able to serve the match out. I had a big ace to close out. Seven years [since winning this title] has been a long time. At the same time, the fact that I waited seven years makes this victory even sweeter and even bigger.”
Despite falling short of winning the biggest title of his career, Ruud was pleased with his year after reaching two Grand Slam Finals and winning his maiden ATP 1000 final in Miami.
“To my team, another year has passed on the ATP Tour," Ruud said. "Thank you to everyone who helps me and pushes me every day, Without you, it would not be possible. It has been a year of many highs, some really big highs. Of course, some lows. I look forward to the next season already.”
Both men will enjoy a well-earned rest before getting themselves ready for the Australian Open in January.
Redemption for Ram and Salisbury
Rajeev Ram and Joel Salisbury defeated Nikola Mekitc and Mate Pavic 7-6(4), 6-4 to claim the doubles title in Turin.
After a heartbreaking loss in the final last year, Ram and Salisbury went through the entire week without dropping a match en route to the final.
“That’s probably up there with one of our best matches, one of our best matches as a team," Salisbury said. "I think we’re so proud of everything we’ve done this week. We’ve come through some tough situations, but we’ve stuck together the whole way. [I’m] so happy, I can’t believe we’ve achieved this.”
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