The world's top-ranked player, Novak Djokovic, delivered a masterclass in Turin, defeating Andrey Rublev 6-3, 6-2. With this clinical performance, Djokovic became the first competitor to book his place in the 2021 ATP Finals semifinals. It is the 10th time the Serbian star has progressed to this stage of the tournament. This victory over the fifth seed not only secured his advancement but also marked his 50th win of the season. He is now one step closer to equalling Roger Federer's record of six titles at the year-end championships.
Djokovic is determined to match Roger Federer's legendary haul of six ATP Finals trophies. In other news, Daniil Medvedev secured the top spot in the Red Group this past Tuesday, opening the possibility of a blockbuster clash between the world number one and two on November 21st. Djokovic, who has finished the year as the top player seven times, looks to keep his momentum going against Cameron Norrie. Norrie joined the draw as a replacement for Stefanos Tsitsipas, who was forced to pull out because of an injury to his elbow.
Coming into the match with six consecutive wins, Djokovic was relentless and in total control from the start. Although Rublev managed to break his serve in the very first game, the 20-time Grand Slam champion quickly took over. Djokovic overwhelmed his opponent with 14 aces and 19 winners, never giving Rublev a chance to settle into the rhythm of the match. By breaking the Russian's serve twice in each set, the Serb wrapped up the contest in just 68 minutes.
Djokovic strategically played the ball away from Rublev's forehand, neutralizing the Russian's most dangerous shot. Rublev failed to make the most of his early lead, while the top seed used a brilliant backhand winner to break back and move to 5-3. As the first set progressed, Djokovic's confidence grew, eventually closing it out with an ace. He was incredibly efficient on his first serve, winning 88 percent of those points.
In their first ATP encounter, Djokovic was highly effective, winning 34 out of 48 first-serve points. He asserted his dominance in the fifth game of the second set with a signature, pinpoint backhand winner down the line. The level of tennis was elite; during a stretch of six games, Djokovic barely dropped a point, including one rally that lasted nine strokes. The contrast in serving was stark: while Djokovic won 81 percent of his first-serve points without a single double fault, Rublev managed only 56 percent. This victory brings Djokovic closer to a title he hasn't held since 2015, having fallen in the finals in 2016 and 2018 to Andy Murray and Alexander Zverev, respectively.
While Djokovic won 81 percent on his first serves, Rublev had just 56 percent. Djokovic won the match without any double faults. The Serbian star has not won the ATP Finals since 2015. He lost the championship matches in 2016 and 2018 to Andy Murray and Alexander Zverev.