Novak Djokovic knows the business. And therefore knows very well that tennis players can only achieve their maximum performance in very few games. That's exactly what the Serb did in his first two games at the ATP Finals. After that, a break could be seen in Djokovic's game. Still, it was enough to get into the final.

"I had to fight to survive," said Djokovic after his 7: 6 (5) and 7: 6 (6) win over Taylor Fritz. "I didn't feel as responsive and comfortable today." The long-standing world number one blamed the three-hour attrition battle against Daniil Medvedev in the last group game . He knew that he would need time to find the match.

In the crucial moments, however, Djokovic was once again on the spot. The 35-year-old played two spotless tie-breaks, and in the second set the 21-time Grand Slam winner managed the break to make it 5:5 at the last moment. He had already done that the day before in the third round against Medvedev. "In these moments I find another gear," explained Djokovic.

Djokovic could draw level with Federer

"I'm very happy that I got through this day because I don't think it was one of my best tennis days. But I managed to persevere," said Djokovic after reaching the final. On Sunday, the world ranking night in the final against Casper Ruud (from 7:00 p.m. live on TV and live stream on Sky and WOW and in our live ticker) has the chance to win his sixth title at the ATP Finals. And to catch up with record holder Roger Federer.

Fritz, on the other hand, had to pack his bags after the narrow defeat. "I just have to get a little bit better and then I'll be there," said the 25-year-old with satisfaction. For him, the Davis Cup finals in Malaga continue. The Americans will face Italy in the quarterfinals.

Here the individual tableau in Turin

turin map