ATP Finals: Novak Djokovic is crowned champion of Turin with success in the final over Casper Ruud
Novak Djokovic is the big winner of the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. With all his routine, the Serb prevailed in the final with 7: 5 and 6: 4 against final debutant Casper Ruud ( Here you can read the final in re-live! ).
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Nov 20, 2022, 08:47 pm
"History is on the line", headlined the ATP in the run-up to the big final of the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. Of course, the players' association likes to put it on a little thicker, as befits their status: But there was a lot at stake on this Sunday evening in Italy. Such as the opportunity for Novak Djokovic to win this tournament for the sixth time - and thus draw level with record winner Roger Federer. Or a premiere title for final opponent Casper Ruud.
Of course, he was confronted with an enormously difficult task - especially since Novak Djokovic, at times unbeaten in Turin, has been in an excellent mood for the past few days. The Serb did the same early in the final, but Ruud was just able to prevent a first break chance at the start of the final. As a result, Ruud always had to work a little harder in his service games, but finally got them dry. Up to the score of 5:6.
Djokovic too strong
Then Novak Djokovic picked up again, benefited from an unnecessary volley mistake by Casper Ruud, and after an intensive rally closed the first section with a break - 7: 5. Casper Ruud was now visibly struggling, Djokovic - who was mostly at a disadvantage in the longer rallies in the early stages - now also easily followed the intensive rallies. That had an effect. Also insofar as Djokovic broke to make it 3-1 in round two after a strong rally. And now everything was under control.
In the early stages of the second set, the Serb caused ecstasy in the Pala Alpitour with winning shots, some of which were accompanied by loud groans. Casper Ruud tried his best to hold back in this final (and not lose the third major final of the season), but was faced with an almost impossible task when the score was 4-1. Especially since the Norwegian had completely withdrawn from the offensive game in this phase.
Djokovic becomes Finals champion for the sixth time
Novak Djokovic let the Norwegian's service games bounce a bit, but he still concentrated on what is most important at this point: his service games. The 21-time major champion designed this extremely confidently afterwards. Chances for Ruud back in this endgame: scarce. And so it was once again Novak Djokovic, who made the title win in Turin perfect with 7:: 5 and 6: 3.
For Novak Djokovic it is the culmination of a mixed season. The man from Belgrade was able to succeed at Grand Slam level, but had to watch idly in Melbourne and New York City. For the 21-time Grand Slam winner, the triumph in Turin also means top spot in another important statistic: most titles at the ATP finals. Only the Serb still has to share this place with Roger Federer. Given recent performances with an emphasis on yet.
Here you can read the endgame in re-live!
turin map