Novak Djokovic has claimed a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title by beating the third-seeded Casper Ruud to high a improbable end to the season for the Serb.
Djokovic gained 7-5 6-3 on Sunday to safe his first title on the occasion since 2015 and match Roger Federer’s file.
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 long time,” Djokovic stated.
“At the same time, the fact that I waited seven years makes this victory even sweeter and even bigger.
“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 became the oldest champion at the prestigious year-ending tournament and also earned the largest payday in tennis history as he walked away with $4.7 million ($A7.1m) for claiming the ATP Finals trophy undefeated.
It was Ruud’s fourth defeat in a major championship match this year after also losing finals at Miami, Roland Garros and the US Open. Ruud has never won a set against Djokovic in four meetings.
“It has been a 12 months of many highs, some actually huge highs. Of course, some lows,” Ruud stated.
“I stay up for the subsequent season already.”
Djokovic started strongly in Turin and had two break points in Ruud’s very first service game. The Norwegian managed to recover although he was also forced to save another break point in the eighth game.
Djokovic finally broke Ruud’s serve at the fourth time of asking. And it was at a crucial moment, on set point, and the Serbian ecstatically pumped his fist in the air after Ruud sent a backhand long.
The seventh-seeded Djokovic broke again in the fourth game of the second set and there was no way back for Ruud.
“I made him run, made him play,” Djokovic stated.
“I used to be seeking to be very aggressive and it labored nice. I’m actually happy with the efficiency.”
Djokovic has ended the 12 months with an 18-1 file after successful trophies in Tel Aviv and Astana earlier than reaching the Paris Masters remaining. His 5 titles this season additionally embrace triumphs at Wimbledon and in Rome.
