Novak Djokovic is folding his 2023 campaign as he started it – by winning.
Surviving an early exit scare in the round-robin stages after losing to home hope Jannik Sinner, Djokovic roared back to turn on the afterburners and even the score in their rematch in the final showdown.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion looked a bit slow in the group stage ties in Turin, but certainly peaked when it mattered to produce a couple of tennis masterclasses as he beat Carlos Alcaraz in the semis and then Sinner in the final to once again make statement as the undisputed king of men’s tennis.
In yet another impressive show, Djokovic displayed a serving clinic and clean ball striking with brute and brilliance to silence the local hero and his backers.
The 36-year-old dominance at this stage of his career appears to be a mystery that will remain unsolved for many years to comes however, as per Serb, he gets inspired by his young children’s presence in the stands.
Djokovic’s son Stefan and daughter Tara were in his box to watch their legendary father become a 7-time ATP Finals titlist to move one ahead of his greatest rival Roger Federer in the all-time Year-end Championships title count. After winning the match, he spotted his kids outside in the stands and blow kisses to them.
“I always wanted to perform in front of them once they reached the age where they are aware of what’s going on,” said Djokovic as he appeared to get emotional taking about his children.
” I’m so grateful to be a father of these two wonderful angels. They give me strength no doubt.”
Djokovic also concluded his week in Turin, as he confirmed once again that no players can come close when it comes to indoor hardcourt prowess.
“Very special. One of the best seasons I’ve had in my life, no doubt,” he added.
“To crown it against a home town hero in Jannik [Sinner] this week is phenomenal.
“Tactically I played differently today than in the group stage [when he lost] against Jannik. Overall a phenomenal week.”
After losing the clash, Sinner confessed that he had no answer to Djokovic, as he conceded that the match was taken away from him by the 36-year-old Serbian hardcourt maestro.
“Congratulations to Novak for everything he has done this season. He is an inspiration. Not only for all those watching but for all the players. Congratulations to his team.
“I want to thank my team. The last two or three months we have put in a lot of work, throughout the entire season we have had the chance to play against the best in the world and this week we have seen I can still improve a lot.
“I think we can look at all the positive things we have done this week and this season.
“Let’s see what happens next, we still have the Davis Cup. Thank you again to everyone.”
Both Djokovic and Sinner will be representing their nations in the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, which are scheduled to get underway on Tuesday.
The Serbian and Italian could once again set a potential semifinals clash at the ITF event and with this overwhelming dominant display by the World No. 1 in Turin, there are very few doubts on who will celebrate the national pride as victor.