ATP Finals LIVE: Novak Djokovic breaks Roger Federer record with victory over Jannik Sinner
Djokovic claimed a record seventh ATP Finals crown as he defeated the Italian Sinner 6-3 6-3 in Turin
Novak Djokovic produced a masterful performance to tame home favourite Jannik Sinner and win a record-breaking seventh ATP Finals crown in Turin.
World No 1 Djokovic was unrelenting as he closed out a 6-3 6-3 victory, overturning a three-set defeat to the in-form Italian in the group stages this week.
Sinner was subdued by Djokovic’s fast start and outstanding serving, with the Serbian winning 28 of his first 30 service points in a breathtaking display of accuracy.
Victory at the season-ending tournament moves Djokovic ahead of Roger Federer’s previous record of six ATP Finals titles, as the 36-year-old wrapped up another staggering season with a statement display.
After dispatching Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals on Saturday, Djokovic has sent a message that he remains by some distance the most dominant men’s player in the game as he continues to deny his young rivals.
Defeat to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final in July was the only major loss of Djokovic’s season, as the Serbian finished the year with three grand slams, the ATP Finals title, and the year-end World No 1.
Follow live updates from the ATP Finals title match between Djokovic and Sinner, below:
ATP Finals: *Djokovic 3-1 Sinner
Djokovic breaks!
Advantage to the No 1 and how Sinner would want this back! He is called long on a forehand that actually caught the line, but Sinner doesn’t challenge and then Djokovic forces another forehand error from Sinner.
The 36-year-old is just blasting the ball around the court at the moment and has really brought the level up against Sinner.
ATP Finals: Djokovic 2-1 Sinner*
Djokovic unloads on a forehand winner from the middle of the baseline and crushes it past Sinner at over 85mph.
Sinner responds with a beautiful drop shot from inside the baseline - that’s a skill he has developed over the season.
Djokovic beats Sinner with an excellent backhand lob - and then Sinner whacks a forehand into the net, looking for the line.
Deuce...
ATP Finals: Djokovic 2-1 Sinner*
Djokovic is up to four aces already and gets a comfortable hold as Sinner pushes his backhand return wide on 40-15. Djokovic against the home crowd will be an interesting sub-plot today.
ATP Finals: *Djokovic 1-1 Sinner
More of this please! Sinner wins the first point on serve after a brilliant rally against Djokovic, which he took control of thanks to a stunning angled forehand crosscourt.
Sinner takes his opening hold after a game of cat-and-mouse with Djokovic at the net, lovely touch from the Italian and he gets on the board.
Wonderful noise - and some great hitting already.
ATP Finals: Djokovic 1-0 Sinner*
Djokovic holds to love behind a couple of clean aces and imposing forehands. The perfect start from the World No 1, who is out for revenge as well as history tonight.
ATP Finals: *Djokovic 0-0 Sinner
Will it be history for Djokovic or a first for Italy and Sinner? Let’s find out...
*denotes next server
ATP Finals LIVE: Djokovic vs Sinner latest updates
Here we go! Djokovic won the toss and will serve to start this ATP Finals final.
Let’s hope for a cracker.
ATP Finals LIVE: Djokovic vs Sinner latest updates
The atmosphere in Turin hsa been electric all week - especially when Sinner has been on the court.
The noise is set to be wild as the Italian becomes the first player to play in the ATP Finals showpiece.
This could be a classic.
ATP Finals LIVE: Djokovic vs Sinner latest updates
Jannik Sinner has been the in-form at the ATP Finals this week, and has won his last seven matches against top-ten opponents.
But beating the World No 1 twice in a row? At the same tournament? It’s unheard of. But Sinner has the huge advantage of playing in front of his home fans tonight.
He’s been red-hot this week.
ATP Finals LIVE: Djokovic vs Sinner latest updates
Novak Djokovic targets more history this evening and can overtake Roger Federer with a seventh ATP Finals crown.
All-time most ATP Finals titles:
6 -Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic
5 - Ivan Lendl, Pete Sampras
4 - Ilie Năstase
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