Novak Djokovic said he was glad with the performance he delivered versus Casper Ruud as he acknowledged that he expected their final to be decided by small margins.
On Sunday, Djokovic defeated Ruud 7-5 6-3 to win this year’s ATP Finals title.
Djokovic is now tied with Roger Federer on the all-time ATP Finals record list as the Serb now also has six titles at the prestigious season-ending tournament.
”It is finals. Usually these kind of matches are decided by very small margins. One break of serve was enough in both sets. I knew Casper was playing really well coming into this match. We both served really well and I think in some decisive moments, like the 12th game of the first set, I managed to put a few returns back in play. I made him run, made him play. I was really pleased with the way I played. I was looking to be very aggressive and it worked great. I am really pleased with the performance,” Djokovic said, per the ATP Finals website.
How Novak Djokovic defeated Casper Ruud
Djokovic had the first break points of the match in the second game but didn’t convert as Ruud saved two consecutive break points to avoid going down by an early break.
Djokovic again had a break point in the eighth game, but again didn’t realize as Ruud tied the first set to four games apiece.
In the 12th game – when Ruud was serving to stay in the first set – Djokovic earned his fourth break point and this time he realized to win the first set.
After winning a tight opener, Djokovic made a positive start to the second set as he broke Ruud early for a 3-1 lead.
Up by a set and a break, Djokovic routinely held on to his serve the rest of the match to complete a two-set win.
Djokovic was outstanding on his serve as he didn’t allow Ruud a single break point during their match.
En route to winning his sixth ATP Finals title, Djokovic also defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz.