ATP Finals: Novak Djokovic and a late, very big declaration of war
Novak Djokovic won the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin in an impressive manner. A declaration of war - also with regard to the Australian Open.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Nov 20, 2022, 10:30 pm
Patrick Mouratoglou put it in a nutshell: "The most impressive thing about Novak is his ability to win without being close to his best form. He showed that throughout the tournament," wrote the star coach a few moments after the Serb won the Nitto ATP Finals for the sixth time. A record that the man from Belgrade only has to share with Roger Federer.
Only Daniil Medvevedev was really close to defeat for Novak Djokovic this week. In a match in which, in addition to a decent entrance fee and a few points for the world rankings, nothing was actually at stake. This is also an announcement at the season finale of the eight best players of the year. In general, the word announcement runs like a red thread through these days in Turin, the 21-time Grand Slam winner came to the Pala Alpitour to send a message.
Djokovic with suffering
A message that he will be expected in 2023. It almost seemed as if it had been agreed that it was still clear during the event that Djokovic will definitely be able to start at the Australian Open. And there - that has been certain since these days at the latest - will start the race as the absolute top favourite. A circle should also close there for Novak Djokovic, who only had to experience the most bitter days of his career in Melbourne a good ten months ago. And also had to miss the US Open due to missing vaccination certificate.
This period of suffering is slowly but surely receding into the background, but it is by no means forgotten. Goran Ivanisevic also let that shine through: "This final is something special. Winning the Masters (Nitto ATP Finals) after seven years. He deserves it. Nobody knows what it was like to be part of the team this season all the ups and downs," said the trainer of the 35-year-old after the final triumph over Casper Ruud, which was safe for long stretches.
Djokovic probably top favorite in Melbourne
Immediately after winning the title - in front of his children, in front of his wife Jelena - Novak Djokovic also announced that this season will be remembered from a negative point of view: "My family, my team, my parents and my brothers. Thank you to them all. We've been through a tough time. They believed in me, they were a shoulder to cry on. We're the only ones who know what we've been through. This trophy belongs to you as much as it does to me ", said the Serb.
Novak Djokovic will end the year as number five in the ATP ranking, so at the Australian Open the 35-year-old will probably meet one of the top four players in the quarterfinals. In view of the current condition, this rather seems like an unpleasant thought for the four leading ATP charts. Because if Novak Djokovic can play, then the man from Belgrade is probably the best player on this planet at the moment. At least on hard court - and thus also in Melbourne. Especially since the 21-time major winner will appear there in top form.