Novak Djokovic won a record-equaling ATP Finals title, defeating Casper Ruud in straight sets to secure a relatively easy victory.
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Novak Djokovic capped up the 2022 season with his sixth ATP Tour finals championship on Sunday, November 21, 2022. In the final, the 35-year-old Serbian defeated Casper Ruud in straight sets. He has now won the ATP Finals trophy for the sixth time in his career, equaling Roger Federer’s total of titles in the season finale. The Serbian also received a historic $4.7 million prize money for his triumph, the highest-ever in Tennis history.
In Turin, both players got off to a good start in the competition. The first set featured a tight struggle as both players excelled at their service games and applied pressure to their opponents. Both players missed a couple of break point opportunities as the match appeared to be heading to a tie-breaker. However, at 6-5, Djokovic finally broke his opponent, winning the first set 7-5.
Ruud ran out of steam in the second set, as Djokovic broke him in the fourth game to take a 3-1 lead. That break was enough for the Serbian to win the match 6-3 and claim his sixth ATP Finals crown. The 35-year-old also became the tournament’s oldest champion in its 53-year existence.
“It’s finals time. “These kinds of matches are usually decided by razor-thin margins,” Djokovic said. “In both sets, one serve break was sufficient. Casper was playing quite well when I arrived for this match. We both served quite well, and I believe that in some crucial times, such as the 12th game of the first set, I was able to put a few returns back into play. I forced him to run and play. I was quite satisfied with how I performed. I wanted to be forceful, and it worked perfectly. “I am quite happy with the performance.”
Djokovic has now won the Nitto ATP Finals in three different cities, having previously triumphed in Rome, Wimbledon, Tel Aviv, and Astana. Serbians won at Shanghai in 2008 and London in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. “I missed a couple of forehands while serving in the last game.” I was nervous, but I am grateful to have been able to serve the match out. To finish, I had a tremendous ace. Seven years [since winning this title] has passed. At the same time, the fact that I waited seven years makes this victory all the more precious and significant.”
