Djokovic Makes History – Novak Djokovic cemented his place in tennis history on Sunday, defeating Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 to capture a record-breaking seventh ATP Finals championship. The 36-year-old Serbian surpassed Roger Federer for the most singles titles won at the prestigious year-end tournament. Djokovic’s dominance has also been lucrative for bettors this year. Be sure to check Canadian top sportsbooks for the best Djokovic futures odds and props headed into the 2023 season.
Djokovic Makes History – A Ruthless Djokovic Overpowers Sinner for Straight-Sets Win
Playing in front of a raucous home crowd backing the Italian in Turin’s Pala Alpitour, Djokovic was able to tune out the noise and secure the straight-sets victory to avenge his earlier group stage loss to Sinner.
Sinner had previously roared back to stun Djokovic in a tight three-setter, winning 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-6(2) earlier in the week. However, this time Djokovic was ruthless from the start, taking the opening set 6-3 in just 38 minutes by winning 20 of 22 service points and landing 73% of his first serves.
Though Sinner disrupted Djokovic’s rhythm more in the second set, he failed to capitalize on his lone break point chance to get back on serve at 3-3. Djokovic broke the Italian’s serve in the next game and closed out the match on Sinner’s double fault to make ATP Finals history.
Djokovic’s Latest Triumph Caps “One of the Most Successful Seasons” of His Career
While Djokovic fell short of the calendar-year Grand Slam with his Wimbledon final loss to Carlos Alcaraz, 2023 still ranks among the finest seasons of his illustrious career. Along with the ATP Finals title, he won the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open this year, taking his tally to 22 major singles championships.
The newly crowned seven-time ATP Finals champion agreed this campaign was “one of the most successful seasons” of his career.
“I’m 36 years old so things are a little bit tougher now but they help me to get through it,” Djokovic said, crediting his team’s dedication. “The results are incredible because of the work and the dedication of my team.”
Djokovic Tips Sinner as a Future World No. 1 and Grand Slam Champion
Though Sinner left Turin runner-up, the 22-year-old still enjoyed a strong 2023 campaign. He won four ATP titles this season, including a Masters 1000 crown at the Canadian Open, and figures to contend for majors and the world No. 1 ranking in years ahead.
Djokovic offered high praise for his defeated opponent, telling Sinner in his runner-up speech, “You have all the chances to become world number one and win a Grand Slam.”
Djokovic Planning to Continue Dominance Until “Next Gen” Starts Beating Him Regularly
Even at 36 and with young stars like Sinner on the rise, Djokovic maintains no current plans to step away from tennis. He says he’ll keep playing as long as he continues contending for and winning majors.
“As long as I’m able to still win against them on the big stage I’ll still keep going because you know, why stop if you’re still winning the biggest titles,” Djokovic asserted.
He labeled Sinner, Alcaraz, and 18-year-old Dane Holger Rune the “next big three,” tipped to carry men’s tennis into the future. But the world No. 1 says he won’t consider retirement until they “start to kick my butt.”
“Once they start to kick my butt, then I’ll consider having a little break or maybe a permanent break from professional tennis,” Djokovic commented.
2024 Olympics and More Grand Slam Glory on Djokovic’s Radar
As he looks ahead to 2024, Djokovic is eyeing a few key targets beyond defending his Australian Open title. Capturing the one major honor missing from his resume, Olympic gold, ranks among his top goals for Paris 2024.
“It is definitely one of the major goals for next year, other than Grand Slams,” said Djokovic, who claimed Davis Cup glory for Serbia in 2010 but has never topped the Olympic podium.
The demanding summer Olympic schedule, transitioning from the slow clay courts of Roland Garros to the slick grass of Wimbledon and back to clay in the span of weeks, presents a daunting test for Djokovic.
“That’s obviously a very demanding, challenging stretch of the year and I’m going to have to speak with my team to see how we can plan out our preparations, training, so that I’m able to play my best tennis where I want to,” he explained.
If Djokovic can navigate those challenges, more Grand Slam glory likely awaits in 2024. With his relentless hunger for major titles and motivation to keep pace with tennis’ rising generation, Djokovic remains firmly focused on further cementing his all-time great status. As he continues his dominant run, be sure to check ATP latest picks for the latest insights and analysis on Djokovic’s upcoming matches.
