Novak Djokovic will end 2023 as world number one, for the eighth time.
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Djokovic beat Holger Rune at the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, as he overcame Dane 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (1-7) 6-3 in the opening Green Group match on Sunday (12). Djokovic’s win extends his winning streak to 19 consecutive matches. The Serb won three Slams in 2023, setting a men’s record of 24 major titles in his career.
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Rune claimed the first break and led 3-2 before Djokovic hit back and won the opening set tie-break. Rune reacted well and continued his winning streak in all previous meetings with Djokovic to level the match in a tie-break of the second set. The Serb broke in the deciding set, and Rune responded before Djokovic broke for a second time.
In an interview to Prime Video, Djokovic talked about the match. “It took everything. I saw in the first game when he fired shots from the baseline, I knew it was going to be a tough night for me. I thought he played great. I played great in some moments”.
“Overall, a win is a win. It was a very emotional win and a tough win knowing the significance of tonight’s match. After a really terrible second-set tie-break, I think I played a really solid third set”, added the Serb.
Also on Sunday, Jannik Sinner beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 6-4. The ATP Finals features eight of the best men’s players of the year, divided into two groups of four, with the top two qualifying for the semi-finals.
