MY ACCOUNT
Novak Djokovic sealed his place in the final of the ATP Finals after edging past Taylor Fritz 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (8-6) in Turin on Saturday.
The Serbian, who is bidding to equal Roger Federer’s record of six ATP Finals titles, overcame Daniil Medvedev in a bruising three-hour contest on Friday, and he was again made to work hard for victory against spirited American Fritz.
Djokovic struck first in the opening set with a break to love in the fifth game, yet Fritz responded immediately to level at 3-3.
A tie-break was needed to separate them after that, with Djokovic’s superb forehand winner sealing the first set in style.
Fritz broke Djokovic in the opening game of the second set, but a simple missed backhand from the American helped his opponent break back to make it 5-5.
That set the stage for a high-quality tie-break, which Djokovic ultimately won to claim victory in one hour and 54 minutes.
“I had to fight to survive,” Djokovic said on court afterwards. “I didn’t feel very reactive today or very comfortable.
“I knew coming into today’s match from yesterday’s gruelling battle against Medvedev it would take me some time to adjust and find the dynamic movement I need against Fritz, who is one of the best servers on the tour.
“I am very pleased to have overcome this one as I don’t think it was one of my best days with my tennis, but I managed to hang in there.”
Should Djokovic beat Casper Ruud or Andrey Rublev in Sunday’s final, he will claim the largest payday in tennis history, with $4,740,300 up for grabs for sealing the trophy undefeated.
ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS
Djokovic – 4/1
Fritz – 15/1
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Djokovic – 21/19
Fritz – 31/26
BREAK POINTS WON
Djokovic – 2/2
Fritz – 2/2
