ATP Finals: Novak Djokovic hats Carlos Alcaraz
Novak Djokovic successfully started his hunt for ATP finals title number six on Monday. Following his opening success against Casper Ruud , the world number one paid homage to the man who succeeded in the NextGen finals this year: Carlos Alcaraz .
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Nov 16, 2021, 08:53 am
In the end, the starting difficulties in round one, where Djokovic had to go into the tie-break against the ATP Finals debutant Casper Ruud, did not detract from the sovereign appearance of the number one success in the tennis world. After the short decision with a remarkable forehand longline winner, Djokovic's first group game developed into a one-way street - with /.6 (4) and 6: 2, the 34-year-old finally celebrated his opening success in Turin.
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For the world number one, this is a double reason to be happy, as Djokovic was handed the trophy for number one at the end of the year right after his success. Meanwhile, the man from Belgrade leads the all-time best list in this comparison alone. "It felt even better after I won the match. I passed Pete Sampras, who was an inspiration to me," said Djokovic after his success. At the same time, the Serb caused a bit of confusion when the world number one said in Italian that he wanted to play for another two years. But what was meant by that was the English "couple", meaning a few years. At the press conference, the Brahcen primus gave a clear rejection of speculations about a possible end to his career: "I don't have a number in my head for how many years I want to play. I don't set myself any limits - I don't want that at all."
Djokovic sprinkles Alcaraz roses
With his opening success in Turin, the Serb has also got off to a good start in his campaign for the Nitto ATP Finals title number six, if Djokovic triumphs in Italy this year, he would draw level with the currently leading Roger Federer. One level below, at the much-cited NextGen of the ATP professionals, Carlos Alcaraz succeeded this year. A feat that Djokovic has nothing but respect for: "What Alcaraz has achieved this year is historic. I think he is one of the youngest players to have achieved this kind of success, as his idol Rafael Nadal said." Djokovic.
He is still very young, but already within the top 30 in the tennis world, and he was also able to win the season finale of the NextGen players. "The way he plays is impressive," Djokovic paid homage to the Spaniard. "The way he behaves on and off the pitch and he shows great maturity for his age. He also has a legend of our sport as a coach who understands what a young player needs to be at the highest level ", said Djokovic, who will play his next group game on Wednesday.
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