Novak Djokovic beats Casper Ruud to win his sixth ATP Finals title, equals Federer’s document

Novak Djokovic claimed a record-equaling sixth ATP Finals title by beating the third-seeded Casper Ruud on Sunday to prime a incredible end to the season for the Serb.

Djokovic received 7-5, 6-3 to safe his first title on the occasion since 2015 and match Roger Federer’s document.

The 35-year-old Djokovic, who had misplaced his two earlier finals on the occasion, raised his arms out and smiled broadly after sealing the match with an ace.

“Seven years has been a very long time,” Djokovic mentioned. “On the identical time, the truth that I waited seven years makes this victory even sweeter and even larger.

“Lots of nerves… I missed a few forehands within the final recreation after I was serving for it. I had nerves, however I’m actually grateful to have the ability to serve the match out. I had an enormous ace to shut out.”

Djokovic turned the oldest champion on the prestigious year-end match and in addition earned the biggest payday in tennis historical past as he walked away with $4.7 million for claiming the ATP Finals trophy undefeated.

“I made him run, made him play,” Djokovic mentioned. “I used to be seeking to be very aggressive and it labored nice. I’m actually happy with the efficiency.”

It was Ruud’s fourth defeat in a significant championship match this 12 months after additionally dropping finals at Miami, Roland Garros and the U.S. Open. Ruud has by no means received a set in opposition to Djokovic in 4 conferences.

“Ultimately it’s been disappointing to finish up dropping these massive finals,” Ruud mentioned. “Total, when you gave me a proposal to finish the 12 months at No. 3, play the finals that I’ve performed, on the 1st of January this 12 months I’d most likely signal the contract immediately. Little doubt about it.

“It offers me motivation and a starvation to possibly subsequent time — if I ever get to a different ultimate like this — I hope I can study from what I’ve carried out this 12 months and never been capable of do and see the way it goes.”

Djokovic began strongly in Turin and had two break factors in Ruud’s very first service recreation. The Norwegian managed to get better though he was additionally pressured to save lots of one other break level within the eighth recreation.

Djokovic lastly broke Ruud’s serve on the fourth time of asking. And it was at an important second, on set level, and he ecstatically pumped his fist within the air after Ruud despatched a backhand lengthy.

The seventh-seeded Djokovic broke once more within the fourth recreation of the second set and there was no method again for Ruud.

Djokovic has ended the 12 months with an 18-1 document after successful trophies in Tel Aviv and Astana earlier than reaching the Paris Masters ultimate. His 5 titles this season additionally embody triumphs at Wimbledon and in Rome.

And his coach, former second-ranked Goran Ivanisevic, had a stark warning for Djokovic’s rivals.

“He’s practising even more durable than when he was 22,” Ivanisevic mentioned. “That’s why he’s nonetheless so good and that’s why he’s nonetheless going to be even higher.”