Novak Djokovic ties Roger Federer with sixth ATP Finals title

TURIN, Italy — Novak Djokovic claimed a record-equaling sixth ATP Finals title by beating the third-seeded Casper Ruud on Sunday to high a improbable end to the season for the Serb.

Djokovic gained 7-5, 6-3 to safe his first title on the occasion since 2015 and match Roger Federer’s report.

The 35-year-old Djokovic, who had misplaced his two earlier finals on the occasion, raised his arms out and smiled broadly after sealing the match with an ace.

Djokovic grew to become the oldest champion on the prestigious year-end event and in addition earned the most important payday in tennis historical past as he walked away with $4.7 million for claiming the ATP Finals trophy undefeated.

It was Ruud’s fourth defeat in a significant championship match this yr after additionally shedding finals at Miami, Roland Garros and the US Open. Ruud has by no means gained a set in opposition to Djokovic in 4 conferences.

Djokovic began strongly in Turin and had two break factors in Ruud’s very first service recreation. The Norwegian managed to recuperate though he was additionally pressured to avoid wasting one other break level within the eighth recreation.

Djokovic lastly broke Ruud’s serve on the fourth time of asking. And it was at a vital second, on set level, and the Serbian ecstatically pumped his fist within the air after Ruud despatched a backhand lengthy.

The seventh-seeded Djokovic broke once more within the fourth recreation of the second set and there was no manner again for Ruud.

Djokovic has ended the yr with an 18-1 report after successful trophies in Tel Aviv and Astana earlier than reaching the Paris Masters last. His 5 titles this season additionally embrace triumphs at Wimbledon and in Rome.