Novak Djokovic’s ATP Finals record bid on course after Jannik Sinner beats Holger Rune
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Jannik Sinner of Italy in action against Holger Rune of Denmark at the ATP Finals.
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TURIN – Novak Djokovic stayed on track for a record-breaking seventh ATP Finals title after Italy’s Jannik Sinner beat Holger Rune of Denmark 6-2, 5-7, 6-4
Sinner was already guaranteed a spot in the last four after Hubert Hurkacz claimed a set in his 7-6 (7-1), 4-6, 6-1 loss to Djokovic earlier in the day, and the world No. 4 topped the Green Group after a battling win in Turin.
“It was hard, I’d never beaten him before... the crowd helped me a lot,” said Sinner of his past record (two defeats) against Rune.
“I’m pleased with how I won the game.”
With the Italian already assured of a semi-final berth, he could have lost against Rune knowing that a defeat would eliminate Djokovic from the tournament.
But Sinner fought hard to secure first place with his third win in three group matches, allowing world No. 1 Djokovic to follow him into the next round.
In the semi-finals on Nov 18, the reigning Toronto Masters champion will play Daniil Medvedev while Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz in a repeat of the Wimbledon final in July won by the young Spaniard.
Alcaraz, 20, beat Medvedev 6-4, 6-4 to top the Red Group on Nov 17 before the inconsequential match between Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev.
In the on-court interview, Alcaraz said: “I think the most important thing that I did today was to stay strong mentally. There were a few games on my serve that I was struggling a bit.
“(Medvedev’s) return game is amazing and he puts so much pressure on your serve, so I think to stay calm and stay strong mentally in those moments was the key to give myself a chance to win this match.”
In the Green Group on Nov 16, Sinner initially looked like making short work of Rune despite the Dane having to play only three games in his previous match with Stefanos Tsitsipas on Nov 14 before the Greek withdrew with an injury.
The 22-year-old came through a three-hour thriller against Djokovic but looked ready to take on the world when he broke Rune twice in the first three games.
Fatigue and a back niggle allowed Rune back into the match, but Sinner held firm to bask in the cheers of fans who chanted his name to the rafters.
“My back is OK, I felt a small pain but it’s gone now,” added Sinner.
“It might have just been the tension of the match. I didn’t even call over my physio. I’m not worried.”
Sinner’s win saved Djokovic from a disappointing end to what has been an age-defying season for the 36-year-old, who won three Grand Slams and took his 1000 Masters crowns to 40, another record.
After winning the opening set in the tiebreak, the Serb threw away his serve to love in Game 5 of the second set.
Two games later, he looked on in disbelief as Hurkacz rammed home four consecutive aces from 15-40 down to go to within one game of drawing level.
Hurkacz easily saw out the set, drawing warm applause from the home crowd, and with the third set almost irrelevant the Pole collapsed against a visibly annoyed Djokovic.
Despite the 24-time Grand Slam champion notching his 15th victory over a top-10 player this season, equalling his best record since 2018, the Serb was clearly frustrated when asked why he looked upset during the second set.
“Why was I upset? For what? I lost the set, so it’s normal... Good win, good win,” he said in an interview that lasted less than 20 seconds before he walked off the court.
Djokovic knows he has work to do, but few would bet against him to break another record. AFP, REUTERS
