The rematch is on.
Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner have played the most entertaining contest of the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals so far and they will meet again on Sunday evening–this time for the title. Sinner upset Djokovic 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-6(2) in a three-hour and nine-minute round-robin thriller on his way to victory in the Green Group. It was then none other than Sinner who had Djokovic’s Turin destiny in his own hands. Had the 22-year-old Italian lost to Holger Rune on Thursday, Djokovic would have been eliminated. Instead, Sinner battled to a 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 victory over Rune–giving the top-ranked Serb the second semifinal spot out of the Green Group.
Having been resurrected by Sinner, Djokovic capitalized on another opportunity in Turin by crushing Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2 in the semifinals on Saturday night. The 36-year-old is now 3-1 this week, also scoring wins over Rune (7-6(4), 6-7(1), 6-3) and Hubert Hurkacz (7-6(1), 4-6, 6-1).
As good as Djokovic was on Saturday, nobody has been more consistent than Sinner so far at the year-end championship. The world No. 4 is undefeated with round-robin victories over Djokovic, Rune, and Stefanos Tsitsipas (6-4, 6-4) followed by a 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-1 semifinal success against Daniil Medvedev.
This kind of tennis is nothing new for Sinner, who now boasts an incredible 61-14 for his 2023 campaign. He has been awesome from start to finish this season. But never has he looked more formidable than he does inside the Pala Alpitour, buoyed by an absolutely raucous Italian crowd.
That’s why another dramatic match should be in the cards for Sunday. But can Sinner pull off another upset? Maybe not. This is obviously a must-win situation for both players, which was not the case in their round-robin contest. Djokovic’s motivation level will be piqued by the prospect of both revenge and a seventh Nitto ATP Finals title.
Look for Djokovic to break the hearts of the crowd at the end of an amazing week for Sinner.
Pick: Djokovic in 3
who ya got?
Similar situation to 2015 ATP Finals where Djokovic lost to Federer in the RR to beat him in the final in straight sets.
yep
Sinner played a full week and is coming off a 3 setter. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a bit tired. Novak’s quick and easy match against Alcaraz will help take him over the line. Novak in 2
Lol – the last set was 6-1. He’s 22.
You clearly haven’t paid attention to Sinner the past year then. Educate yourself anonymous
Novak will win
likely