Novak Djokovic won with forceps against Holger Rune to begin his journey at the ATP Finals. Hindered during the exchange by a very aggressive opponent, dominated in the game for a good part of the match, the Serbian used his experience to contain the enthusiasm of the young Dane. Despite a completely missed tie-break in the second set, the Djoker won in three sets (7-6, 6-7, 6-3) and at the same time ensured that he ended the year in first place. world place for the eighth time, improving his own record.
Djokovic resists everything
It took a lot to shake the self-confidence of a man who was looking to complete, at 36, an eighth year as the best player in the world, with 3 Grand Slams under his belt and a current streak of 18 victories. . But Rune has shown twice in the past that he has the weapons to shake Djokovic’s status, despite so many defeats. The last one, at Bercy in the quarter-finals, just a few days ago.
From the start of the match, the Dane clearly showed his intention not to repeat the Parisian scenario. Aggressive on the Serb’s second balls, capable of taking the ball very early and varying the qualities of the ball on both sides, Rune dominated the first set in the exchange, with 19 winning points for 4 unforced errors, and 63% of points won behind the opponent’s second service. But in hot moments, it was Djokovic’s experience which, for the umpteenth time, prevailed.
Djokovic punishes a too-timid serve-volley from Rune to pocket the 1st set
Broken at 2-2, the world No. 1 immediately reacted, helped by a suddenly more feverish opponent, who notably committed two double faults (7 in total). Also tense in the decisive game, Rune let the Serb pocket the set on his second opportunity.
A slump without consequences
The scenario seemed to repeat itself at the start of the second round. Rune, passing through the locker room, moved forward again to steal the Serb’s service from the start and lead 2-0. But as in the first set, he immediately lost the thread of his game and returned the courtesy to Djokovic. Rune then held on despite the tension until the decisive game, crossed like a ghost by the unrecognizable Serb. Author of three big mistakes, quickly trailing 6-0, the man with 24 Majors let his opponent equalize without fighting.
A decisive game completely missed by Djokovic and Rune returns to a set everywhere
As always between these two players, the decision was made in a decisive third set. But after more than 2h30, the intensity never returned to the level of the first two. Both physically affected, Rune and Djokovic resumed at a false pace, with a new exchange of early breaks punctuated by gross errors. Furious, the Serb smashed two rackets while returning to his chair at 2-1. Before regaining his calm and his killer instinct.
Difficulty in his footwork, lacking lucidity, Rune once again slipped behind his serve, leaving Djokovic to lead 4-2 then conclude without trembling, before savoring for a long time, one knee on the ground, this symbolic victory. For the eighth time in his career, the Serbian will spend the holidays in the shoes of world No. 1, something never seen before. Before, perhaps, an unprecedented 7th triumph at the ATP Finals. Just that.
Djokovic, No. 1 in his pocket: “Now everything that happens is just a bonus”