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IMAGE: Novak Djokovic gained the ATP Finals title for the primary time since 2015. {Photograph}: Matthew Stockman/Getty Photos
Novak Djokovic beat Norway’s Casper Ruud 7-5, 6-3 to gather a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title on Sunday, incomes the largest paycheck ever in tennis – $4,740,300 – for finishing the season-ending event unbeaten.
Djokovic sealed victory in fashion along with his ninth ace to gather the title for the primary time since 2015 in entrance of a rapturous crowd.
“Bought to remain targeted all the match, each single level, the momentum can swap to the opposite facet actually shortly,” the Serbian mentioned in a televised interview after the match.
“The truth that I waited seven years makes this victory even sweeter,” he added as he matched Roger Federer’s haul of six titles within the season-ending occasion.
The 23-year-old Ruud has loved the most effective tennis of his profession in 2022 and battled toe-to-toe with the 21-times main winner early on however produced two clumsy errors at hand Djokovic the break on the finish of the primary set.
Djokovic put his foot on the accelerator from there on, harnessing his mighty forehand to interrupt Ruud within the fourth sport of the second set.
The Norwegian threw every little thing he had on the veteran in a 36-shot penultimate rally however the Wimbledon champion was just too sharp, outlasting his opponent within the marathon trade and holding his arms out vast after clinching the title.
IMAGE: Novak Djokovic is the oldest participant to win the title. {Photograph}: Matthew Stockman/Getty Photos
The 35-year-old Djokovic is the oldest participant to win the title and mentioned the event didn’t go away him unscathed after a gruelling three-set thriller towards Russian Daniil Medvedev en path to the semi-finals.
“It was not simple to get well and to actually be capable of play effectively within the semis in lower than 24 hours after that match,” he instructed reporters.
“It is an inner battle with myself as a result of there’s one voice that’s at all times telling you you may’t do it, you are too drained, this and that, proper? The dangerous man and the great man. You attempt to feed the great man.”
IMAGE: Novak Djokovic celebrates the victory along with his daughter Tara. {Photograph}: Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters
Djokovic ends the season on a excessive notice after a yr of ups and downs.
He was unable to defend his title on the Australian Open in January as he was deported from the nation as a consequence of his refusal to get vaccinated towards COVID-19.
His stance additionally meant he was barred from competing in the USA this yr, together with on the season’s remaining main — the US Open.
“I look ahead to having a few weeks off as a result of I used to be actually type of on the needles a complete yr whether or not it was for tournaments or ready for permissions to go someplace, so I am actually glad that I managed to finish it in a optimistic manner,” mentioned Djokovic, who collected a seventh Wimbledon title in July.
The defeat capped a disappointing finish to Ruud’s breakout yr. The Norwegian had additionally reached the finals at Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows however got here off second greatest.
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