ATP Finals 2023: Novak Djokovic is crowned record winner in Turin – the Djoker is more dangerous than ever before

First there were air kisses for the family, then everything came out of Novak Djokovic.

The joy of his followers and the Serb himself was correspondingly great, who after the obligatory handshake at the net clenched his fist and sent two loud “Come on” calls towards the fans in the Pala Alpitour.

“This is something very special for me. This was without a doubt one of the best seasons I have played in my life. This one with a win against Jannik (Sinner; editor’s note), who played great tennis this week “It’s phenomenal,” said an overjoyed Djokovic in the winner’s interview afterwards.

However, phenomenal is almost an understatement.

The defending champion needed just over three hours (3:13 hours) in total to sweep the two youngsters, number two and four in the world, off the court. He didn’t give up his own serve once.

“I’m very proud of how I played against Alcaraz and Sinner. They’re probably the two best players at the moment next to me and Daniil Medvedev,” Djokovic paid tribute to his two young rivals and added, “The way they’ve played so far, I had to Raise level.”

Said and done. At times it almost seemed as if a different Djokovic was on the court this final weekend than in the previous games.

The only glaring difference from the previous performances was the presence of his two children Stefan and Tara in Turin. However, this seemed to really inspire Djoker. Ultimately, the former lone fighter has become a real family man.

“I’ve always wanted to perform in front of them as soon as they reach the age where they know what’s going on. I think this is the right age now. They’re both aware of what’s happening,” he explained, adding visibly moved: “I am so grateful to be the father of these two wonderful angels. They have blessed me with so much happiness and joy in my life.”

“I have never seen him serve better,” enthused former German Davis Cup captain Patrick Kühnen on the “Sky” microphone during the final. 13 aces and 91 percent of points won on first serves underline this assumption. In general, Sinner only gained eight points as a return player.

The fact that the veteran was able to significantly raise his level again at the end of a long season in which he won no less than three Grand Slam titles, two Masters successes and the impressive victory in Turin should have the competition in fear to cause terror.

Especially since an end to this oppressive dominance is still far from being in sight. “I don’t expect Djokovic to be a bit worse next year than in 2023 – maybe even better,” Kühnen sent a kind of warning to the Serb’s competition.

After all, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are on the program – the only important event where the exceptional player has so far been denied the big hit.

However, with his family behind him, Djokovic can also do this.