After qualifying despite not being in the top eight of the Race, Novak Djokovic let his star shine for the umpteenth time. The Pala Alpitour in Turin was the scene where the Serb raised his Nitto ATP Finals win tally to six, beating Casper Ruud 7-5, 6-3 in the final.
It was a victory that allowed Djokovic to write a new page in history by becoming the oldest man to lift the Masters trophy but, above all, by equaling his illustrious (and now former) rival Roger Federer. The records of both coincided again and, this time, not only in relation to the finals, but also to other tournaments played throughout the season.
Along with the Swiss, who succeeded him in 2010, Novak Djokovic won in 2022 at least one title in each of the ATP Tour categories: Tel Aviv (ATP 250), Astana (ATP 500), Rome (Masters 1000), Finals ATP and a Grand Slam at Wimbledon.
A feat that reaffirms the extraordinary capacity of the Belgrader to function in any context. Federer, at the time, had achieved this by winning Stockholm, Basel, Cincinnati, the ATP Finals and the Australian Open. Although with far fewer matches played and especially thorny issues off the court, Novak Djokovic ended 2022 with a Slam and a Finals win.
An exceptional achievement that makes the Serbian vibrate, who in the press conference after the victory against Ruud could not help expressing his pride. “I feel incredibly satisfied given the circumstances of the whole season, starting with the one in Australia.
During the first seven months I tried to find a balance mentally, but also on the pitch to be able to come back in the best possible way.”
Federer talks about his future
During a conference organized by his equipment supplier Uniqlo in Tokyo, Japan, Roger Federer spoke about the possibility of becoming a coach and also made some confessions about his new activities in retirement.
“I’m a little scared to practice other sports. My knees are irregular. We have to wait a few months and see how it develops. Now it’s time to travel. My family and I always plan vacations and I want them to be really fun.
I would like to take my children to Africa. Before, vacations always had to be something relaxing after many months of playing tennis. Now that I’m retired, I think we can have a more adventurous vacation,” revealed the man with 20 Grand Slam titles.
