Sinner excited after first win over Djokovic

Italy's Jannik Sinner said he played the best match of his career when he defeated Novak Djokovic in the ATP Finals Blue Group.

"Beating a 24-time Grand Slam winner is definitely the best result I've ever had," Sinner said after defeating Djokovic for the first time on the ATP Tour on November 14. The Italian said the match was tactical and he adapted well to win after three hours of play.

Defeating Djokovic 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-6(2), Sinner defeated Djokovic for the first time after five encounters. The Italian tennis player leads the Blue group with 2 wins, 0 losses and has a good chance of advancing. He will meet Holger Rune in the final match at 3am on November 17, Hanoi time. If Sinner beats Rune or Djokovic fails to defeat Hubert Hurkacz 2-0 in the early match at 8:30pm on November 16, Sinner will advance to the semi-finals.

Sinner celebrates his victory over Djokovic in the second match of the Green Group of the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy on November 14. Photo: AP

Sinner's match against Djokovic saw him steady at the back of the court, often changing his rhythm with drop shots that drew Djokovic to the net, then passed. "I felt confident in this match," said the 22-year-old. "I was brave enough to make decisions at important moments, especially in the third set. We both served well, hit the ball a lot and there weren't many chances to get ahead."

This season, the Italian has won 59 matches - a record for an Italian player. He also won 15 of his 16 indoor hard-court matches, and defeated the reigning world number one for the second time. Sinner did this at the Miami Masters in March, when he beat Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals.

Djokovic congratulated his junior after the second match, saying he had played poorly on important points. He said: "Sinner fully deserved it because he played great. He was brave, full of energy and determination. I was not as decisive as him when I had the chance to make a difference. Anyway, we played a good match."

Despite losing the match, Djokovic still has a chance to reach the semi-finals when he meets Hurkacz in the final round. The Polish player has lost all six times he has faced Djokovic. In the match at 8:30 p.m. today, November 16, Nole needs to win 2-0 to increase his chances of advancing. In case of losing, Djokovic still has a ticket if Sinner defeats Rune.

Vy Anh

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