Novak Djokovic won the ATP Finals Title in Turin, beating Casper Ruud and equaling Roger Federer’s record of 6 ATP Finals titles.
Djokovic secured his win against Ruud 7-5 6-3, his first title since 2015.
“Seven years has been a long time,” Djokovic said. “At the same time, the fact that I waited seven years makes this victory even sweeter and even bigger.”
“A lot of nerves … I missed a couple of forehands in the last game when I was serving for it. I had nerves, but I am really grateful to be able to serve the match out. I had a big ace to close out.”
He also became the oldest champion to win the ATP Title and he has also earned the biggest payday with a $4.7 million prize money.
After his match, he said: “I made him run, made him play.”
“I was looking to be very aggressive and it worked great. I am really pleased with the performance.”
As for Ruud, it was his fourth major loss for the year. He also came in the runner-up position in the US Open.
“In the end, it’s been disappointing to end up losing these big finals,” Ruud said. “
“Overall, if you gave me an offer to end the year at No. 3, play the finals that I’ve played, at the 1st of January this year I would probably sign the contract right away. No doubt about it.”
“It gives me motivation and a hunger to maybe next time – if I ever get to another final like this – I hope I can learn from what I have done this year and not been able to do and see how it goes.”
