Djokovic sizzles to take final place in Turin
Novak Djokovic played some of his best tennis of the season to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final of the ATP Finals in Turin, reaching a ninth decider as he searches for a record seventh title at the season-ending showpiece.
Despite a bright start from world No.2 Alcaraz, world No.1 Djokovic won through in straight sets 6-3 6-2 and will play Italy's in-form Jannik Sinner in the final on Monday (AEDT), having already lost to the 22-year-old earlier this week.
Previous meetings between Djokovic and Alcaraz included the Spaniard’s epic five-set win in the final at Wimbledon, and the Serbian saving a match point to claim a similarly engrossing title stoush in Cincinnati.
While this contest – the first between the two indoors – fell somewhat short of those dizzying heights, the second set in particular saw some astonishing exchanges as Alcaraz looked to rally back from losing the first set.
But it wasn't to be, and Djokovic is now within one match of becoming the year-ending champion and world No.1 for a record seventh time.
“After spending a lot of time on the court in the first three matches, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel tonight,” Djokovic said after the win.
“This year I wasn’t maybe as sharp in the second and third group matches, particularly, but I think tonight from the very beginning I felt the ball well.
“I approached the match with the right attitude, the right mentality, and I knew from the very first point it was going to be greatly intense. He had break points right away, 15/40 in the first game. That’s Carlos. He always brings out his best in these kinds of matches and starts with a lot of high qualifty tennis and intensity. You’ve got to match that, try to weather the storm, and I did that.”
The 36-year-old does have a loss at this event, however, and it was against his final opponent Sinner in the group stage.
“He’s been playing fantastic tennis, arguably the best tennis of his life,” Djokovic said when asked about his opponent for the final.
“On this stage, against top 10 players. We played, 7-6 in the third, a very close match the other night. The atmosphere was unbelievable, electric really. I don’t expect anything less than that, probably even louder than what we had in the group-stage match-up.
“It’s the final, I’ve been in this situation before many times. I’m really happy with the way I’m feeling, the way I’m playing, so hopefully I can deliver my A game tomorrow.”
Italian Sinner will have the home support behind him come the final and will be high on confidence having already beaten Djokovic once in Turin, and also dealing with a feisty Daniil Medvedev in their semi-final earlier in the day.
Sinner, who won 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 6-1, said: "It is a privilege to have this kind of pressure. Even the week before this event I felt really good on this court. It is quite fast. The crowd has given me so much energy."
