“One of the best matches of the year under these circumstances against probably my biggest rival this year,” said the 36-year-old Serb with satisfaction.
“I think everyone expected, probably both of us too, that we would have a long night, a big fight, a long match. I just managed to improve,” Djokovic stated soberly: “When I met him in the After taking serve in the first set when the score was 4:3, I played a really flawless match until the end of the match.”
Djokovic: “One of the best matches of the year”
His serve came when he needed it. He was also able to build up pressure with his returns. Djokovic said he “forced” Alcaraz to play. In the end, for him, it was “the best match of the week, one of the best matches of the year. The timing couldn’t be better for me, considering that I may not have played my best tennis in the first three games of the group stage. But Tonight I played close to my best.”
Great respect for Sinner
The fact that he lost 5:7, 7:6 (7:5), 6:7 (2:7) against the 22-year-old Italian a few days ago was not a disadvantage – on the contrary. For Djokovic it is “a motivation,” as he said. “I think it’s also good preparation to analyze the game from a few days ago and understand what I need to do better to win,” said the Serb.
He still has the greatest respect for Sinner. “He has been the best player of the tournament so far,” said Djokovic: “He has won four out of four matches and played great tennis. Obviously he is riding the big wave of support from his Italian audience here.”
But he himself could play easily. “I had an almost perfect season. I’m ending the year as number 1, I’ve really achieved all my goals, broken a lot of records, written sports history. Of course I’m very happy with the season. But there’s still one game left. Hopefully I can do it Crown with another victory.”
Pure dominance: Djokovic gives Alcaraz a lesson