A Novak Djokovic in alien mode extinguishes the dreams of Jannik Sinner and the millions of Italians who, between Pala Alpitour in Turin and the small screen, dreamed of the blue's feat.
The ruthless world number 1 beat the South Tyrolean in two sets with a score of 6-3, 6-3 in an hour and 43 minutes of play and won his seventh title at the ATP Finals , overtaking Roger Federer also in this ranking, which saw them tied until today.
Perfect match for the Serbian, who repeated what he did yesterday in the semi-final with Alcaraz, demolished 6-3, 6-2.
In the first set Djokovic does not concede anything on serve, Sinner suffers more in his serves and gives up the decisive break in the fourth game (also due to a ball called out on which the South Tyrolean did not ask for eye surgery of a hawk, had pinched the line). We continue with serves until 6-3 for the world number 1.
In the second set the Serbian immediately gets the break and puts his head forward. Sinner saves himself in the third game and stays close until 2-3, when Djokovic becomes human again, starts to make a few mistakes and drops in the percentage of first serves . The blue player doesn't take advantage of two break points to get to 3 all, and at 4-3 for the Serbian he wastes a hard-fought game with several errors with which he could have reopened the match . A double fault by Sinner at 3-5 and 30-40 starts the closing credits of a match that seemed to be in question for only a few minutes, in the central phase of the second set.
Djokovic can celebrate. Sinner isn't today, but with a cool head he too will be able to rejoice in this splendid week which confirms him in the Olympus of world tennis .
To think that on Thursday our Jannik had the opportunity to eliminate Djokovic in the groups: but with the correctness that distinguishes him, without the "biscuit" feared and even requested by some, he beat Rune in the third set, keeping alive the number 1 of the world , which in the event of the Dane's victory would have been eliminated.
THE STATEMENTS
«Today was one of my best performances of the season, and against the home hero. I am proud of myself and my performances in these last two days against the best in the world, Alcaraz and Sinner, who forced me to always give my best. Today was also a tactical victory", Djokovic 's words immediately.
Sinner's speech was very beautiful, addressing the Serbian and paying homage to him : « You are an inspiration for everyone but especially for us players . Show off the professionalism you and your entire team have. Congratulations Nole for this week and beyond. You started the season by winning and you end it by winning."
On his growth: «Today we saw that we can improve a lot. We started at the beginning of the year when I was a player, now I'm another. After Next Gen 2019 I didn't think I'd be here after a short while playing perhaps the best tournament. And now we hope to do well in the Davis Cup ."
(Unioneonline/L)