Novak Djokovic has become the first player to seal a spot in the semi-finals of the Nitto ATP Finals. The Serbian has been vying for his sixth title, which would tie him with Roger Federer at the top of the rankings. He faced Andrey Rublev in his second match of the green group and won quite easily. He is also tied at the top with 20 grand slams to his name.
How did his match against the Russian go? What is next for the Serbian? Here’s everything that you need to know about the Serbian player.
Novak Djokovic vs Andrey Rublev
Novak Djokovic won his first match against Casper Rudd and came in with some great momentum ahead of his clash. On the other hand Rublev, had a rough 2021 year, but he also managed to surprise Stefanos Tsitsipas and win his first match in straight sets against the Greek player.
The match between the two players started, and Novak Djokovic was quick to react. With some mind-blowing strong services, he did not give Rublev enough opportunities to make a comeback in the match. He hardly let points slip from his hands. The first set was won by the Serbian 6-3.
The GREATEST defender of all time…
Novak. Djokovic.#NittoATPFinals @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/mPG6037eRB
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 17, 2021
In the second set, it was all on the line for both players. A win for Novak would have guaranteed his spot in the semi-finals of the tournament. The same thing happened in the second set, and Novak won 6-2 thereby winning the match. Novak Djokovic secured 60 points as compared to Andrey Rublev’s 40. Djokovic served 14 aces in the match, compared to Rublev’s 6. He also converted four of the six breakpoints. He won 34 service points and eight service games.
Djokovic to the semi-finals ????
???????? @DjokerNole has made the final four in Turin after defeating Rublev 6-3, 6-2! #NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/BYnIzIAw42
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 17, 2021
With a win now, he has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the tournament. He will now face Stefanos Tsitipas in the final group match. Irrespective of the result of the upcoming match against Tsitsipas, his spot in the semi-final is secured as he has won 2 matches with 1 to go. This will be the 10th semi-final of his career. For Tsitsipas, it will be a must-win match if he wants to secure another seat in the semi-final.