Novak Djokovic put on an astonishing display of resilience to overcome Daniil Medvedev 6-3 6-7 7-6 in an utterly enthralling contest at the ATP Finals in Turin.
In what was the final match of the group stages, and a dead rubber with Novak having already topped the group, the five-time former champion was forced to stay on court by a stubborn Medvedev for what turned into the longest match of the tournament so far.
The first set saw Djokovic in typically imperious form, taking the opener 6-3. It was a clinical display of precision, with the Serb making particularly good use of his trademark backhand down-the-line on numerous occasions. The pressure Medvedev was under eventually told, as Novak broke in the eighth game and served out the set.
The second set went on serve throughout as both players defended their service games well. Djokovic saved three set points at 5-4 down in an eight-minute game, the third of those break points saved with a sublime forehand cross-court winner to cap off a mesmerising 26-shot rally.
That set was then fittingly decided by an extraordinary tie-break. Having looked in total control for the entirety of the match, Djokovic started to suddenly, and very visibly, struggle physically after a 30-shot rally. The Russian took advantage of Novak's wilting physical condition to level the match at one set apiece.
The decider went on serve again until a mammoth 15-minute game that ultimately resulted in Medvedev breaking for a 5-4 lead. Yet the indomitable Serb broke straight back, forcing a deciding set tie-break.
Djokovic, physically exhausted, put his foot on the gas to accelerate through that breaker and take it 7-2 to win the match.
The result means that Medvedev leaves Turin empty-handed, having lost all three of his matches in three close sets. Djokovic, meanwhile, finished the group stages unbeaten and remains on course for a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title, following yet another extraordinary performance from the Serb.
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