Novak Djokovic is gearing up for a 16th year at the season-ending championships and he's not going to Turin to make up the numbers.
Djokovic has won the ATP Finals on six occasions (a record he co-owns with Roger Federer) and will be determined to take it all by himself in a week's time. In this article, we shall look at the Serbian's chances of defending his crown, and give five reasons why he can emerge triumphant again.
5. Most Decorated Champion In ATP Finals History
As stated at the top of the article, Djokovic is one of the two most successful champions in ATP Finals history, winning the tournament the same number of times as Roger Federer who was regarded as the master of this tournament.
Djokovic has proven his mettle he too belongs in that conversation and he's got a full grasp of this event than the rest of the field. He knows how to navigate his way out of the group with metronomic consistency and it wouldn't come as a surprise if he conjures another undefeated streak.
4. Better Win Rate And Aggregate Head-To-Head Record Against Top 8 In 2023
Another valid case why Djokovic will likely leave Turin with the ultimate prize is his record versus the top eight contestants this season. He is the only player with a 90% or better winning rate this year (50-5), and in 14 matches against his rivals in Turin, he has won 11 times during the course of 2023. No player has a better aggregate head-to-head record.
3. A Player Of All Surfaces
If you are late to the news, Novak Djokovic recently set the record of owning an 80% winning rate on all recognized tennis surfaces and environments - hard, clay, grass, indoors and outdoors. By virtue of his title-winning week in Paris, Djokovic became the first man to accomplish this feat. His geometric mastery of indoor courts makes him a sizable favorite at the 2023 ATP Finals.
2. Longest Undefeated Streak In 2023
Novak Djokovic has played 12 tournaments across all levels this season - the fewest among the top eight players in Turin. Yet, he possesses the longest undefeated streak this season of any player on the ATP Tour. He has not lost a match since Wimbledon, tallying an 18-match win streak. It would take a brave person to bet against him at the season finale.
1. The Man To Beat
Yes, Novak Djokovic will be the man to beat in Turin. He's the record holder at the tournament, one of the best players on indoor hard courts, and he's determined to close out the year in the best possible manner. His focus is certainly unwavering.
Djokovic embodies the "favorite" tag with confidence and positivity and he rarely falters when records are on the line. Whoever wants to win this tournament will most likely need to negate him out of the equation, and truthfully, history tells us that doesn't bode well for their chances.
0 Comments