Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after winning the singles final tennis match of the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, November 19, 2023. /CFP
Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after winning the singles final tennis match of the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, November 19, 2023. /CFP
So it was Novak Djokovic who had the last laugh. Once again.
Unless an unfortunate injury were to befall the seasoned legend, it's safe to assume that the ATP Finals trophy won't be his last. Regardless of the peculiarities of the season-ending tournament, Djokovic's unfaltering excellence has remained both insanely consistent and ludicrously irrepressible.
It feels like a distant memory when the then 21-year-old sensation showcased his dominant prowess by capturing his first ATP Finals title back in 2008. Fast forward 15 years, and the 36-year-old continues to reign supreme in the sport. So predictable, huh?
With a ruthless display of expertise and deftness, Djokovic effortlessly dispatched the hometown favorite Jannik Sinner with a commanding victory in Turin. As tennis enthusiasts watch in awe, the question lingers: When will Djokovic finally relinquish his stranglehold on the sport?
Jannik Sinner reacts after losing singles final tennis match to Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, November 19, 2023. /CFP
Jannik Sinner reacts after losing singles final tennis match to Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, November 19, 2023. /CFP
Well, judging by his recent display, his reign shows no signs of coming to an end.
In a span of just 24 hours, Djokovic comfortably swatted aside Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner, two of the most promising young talents vying for his throne. The 20-year-old Alcaraz had managed to defeat Djokovic at Wimbledon earlier in the year, but this time, Djokovic exacted his revenge with a resounding 6-3, 6-2 triumph. Similarly, Sinner had emerged victorious against Djokovic in the round-robin stage just the week before, but in their final showdown, Djokovic left no room for doubt, sealing a comprehensive 6-3, 6-3 win.
Despite his mature age, Djokovic tirelessly sought ways to elevate his game, refining his raw athleticism with meticulous attention to detail, a quality unmatched by his rivals. While the transition from one generation to the next often sees new players relying on sheer power, both Alcaraz and Sinner unleashed thunderous shots from the baseline. Yet, in Turin, Djokovic not only neutralized their blistering pace, but also returned the ball with even greater velocity and precision.
Novak Djokovic kisses the ATP Finals trophy in Turin, Italy, November 19, 2023. /CFP
Novak Djokovic kisses the ATP Finals trophy in Turin, Italy, November 19, 2023. /CFP
"I'm very proud of the performances of the last two days against Alcaraz and Sinner, who are probably the best two players in the world next to me and Medvedev at the moment, and the way they have been playing I had to step it up," observed Djokovic afterwards.
"I had to win the matches and not wait for them to hand me the victory and that's what I've done. I think I tactically played different today than I have in the group stage against Jannik, and just overall it was a phenomenal week."
With his record-breaking seventh ATP Finals title, Djokovic has surpassed Roger Federer and now stands alone at the top. His collection of 98 major trophies propels him closer to the century mark, a feat achieved only by Jimmy Connors and Federer. Furthermore, Djokovic has now reached an extraordinary milestone of 400 weeks as the world No. 1, a staggering 90 weeks more than Federer.
Novak Djokovic poses for a photo with the ball kids after winning the singles final tennis match of the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, November 19, 2023. /CFP
Novak Djokovic poses for a photo with the ball kids after winning the singles final tennis match of the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, November 19, 2023. /CFP
This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for Djokovic, marked by a slew of record-breaking accomplishments. His achievements include capturing three out of the four Grand Slam singles titles this season, surpassing Rafael Nadal's men's record of 20 titles. Notably, he secured his 10th Australian Open title, extending his own record and leaving an indelible mark on the tournament's history.
Djokovic's triumph at the French Open in June made him the sole man to win all four major titles on three separate occasions. Adding to his sensational tally of milestones, Djokovic set a new record with 36 appearances in Grand Slam finals, beating the previous record held by Chris Evert. On top of that, just earlier this month, he claimed a record-extending seventh Paris Masters trophy, solidifying his unmatched supremacy in the tournament, and notching his 40th Masters title.
As for Sinner, the 22-year-old Italian has continued to assert himself in the grandes stages of the sport. However, the greatest challenge for Sinner and other emerging stars lies in the fact that even as they make momentous strides, Djokovic continues to raise the bar.
Novak Djokovic celebrates with his children after winning the singles final tennis match of the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, November 19, 2023. /CFP
Novak Djokovic celebrates with his children after winning the singles final tennis match of the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, November 19, 2023. /CFP
What truly sets the Serb apart is his unswerving dedication to refining his skills and evolving as a player, even after increasingly cementing his GOAT status.
The undeniable outcome is crystal clear: with each significant title Djokovic adds to his illustrious collection, every rival in his path is left far behind, unable to keep pace with his prodigious exploits.