The 2023
ATP Finals will conclude on Sunday, November 19, at the Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy. Here is our
preview of the action, with home hero
Jannik Sinner taking on World No. 1
Novak Djokovic in an epic showdown.
Both Djokovic and Sinner have seen a lot of success in their campaigns at the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals. The former came through some tough battles in the group stage, defeating Holger Rune 7-6 (4), 6-7 (1), 6-3, and Hubert Hurkacz 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-1. Moreover, he saw his 19-match winning streak snapped by Sinner after the Italian prevailed in a very close-knit clash. However, Djokovic appeared to be back on form in his semi-final match against Carlos Alcaraz, defeating the second seed 6-3, 6-2.
Meanwhile, Sinner had a dream run in the group stage, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, before achieving his first ever win against Djokovic 7-5, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (2). After this, the 22-year-old ousted Rune 6-2, 5-7, 6-4, before taking on Daniil Medvedev in the semi-final. Once there, he secured the first set before overcoming fatigue to fight back from a set down and book his place in the final 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-1.
Can Sinner disrupt the defending champion?
Djokovic leads their head-to-head 3-1, but Sinner's level has been getting better and better, as was demonstrated when he secured his first win against the ATP Finals defending champion earlier this week. However, this also means that the 36-year-old will be motivated to get revenge against the World No. 4.
Nevertheless, Sinner will have a very loud and enthusiastic home crowd on his side, something which seems to have helped him through tough moments at the tournament so far. This included his final-set tiebreak against Djokovic in their group stage match. The Serbian player has a 30-7 record in deciding tiebreaks, but the Italian was able to push through to clinch the win.
The young talent will also have to rely on his strong mental game in order to get through the match, as he will need to avoid focussing on the pressure of defending his victory from the group stage. Meanwhile, Djokovic will need to not get caught up in the pressure of attempting to defend his title, although it's not like this is something he hasn't been used to dealing with at big tournaments for many years.
Regardless of the outcome, it is likely to be another incredibly tight battle and should be a thrilling watch. While Sinner may take confidence from his group stage win and the home crowd, it will be incredibly difficult to take down Djokovic twice in the same week, especially if the World No. 1 is fully on form.
Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in three sets.