Djokovic v Rune, Sinner v Tsitsipas On Day 1 At ATP Finals
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Day one at the ATP Finals could see history made as Novak Djokovic stands just one win from clinching the year-end No. 1 ranking.
The Serb opens his title defense against the pesky Holger Rune who he just beat in Paris in a revenge match.
Djokovic has won his last 18 matches going to the ATP Finals where he’s seeking a record eighth title.
“It’s the pinnacle of ATP Tour,” Djokovic told the ATP. “Other than Slams, this is the biggest tournament we have in the sport. And the best eight players in the world worked very hard the entire year. All the players who qualify for this event, it’s a great privilege.
“It’s the only tournament that really has the group format. So even if you lose a match or two, you can still qualify for the semis. So I think that removes a little bit of pressure of losing a match.”
Rune will make his ATP Finals debut.
“It’s been it’s been a big goal for me,” Rune told ATP Media. “Being in the season and in the moment, you don’t think so much about it, but as we got closer and the race was very close for me with other players, it was a goal that I really wanted to achieve.
“I wanted it badly, and I got it, so I’m very happy and satisfied with that. Now we’re here, so I’m just going to take my chance and do everything again.”
In the first match of the event, home favorite Jannik Sinner takes on former champion Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek has won five of seven but Sinner won earlier this year in Rotterdam.
“His strength is the serve plays really good and his high intensity,” Sinner said to the ATP. “He puts a lot of intensity on the court. He also tries to go to the net a lot more, so it’s not easy to play against him. I’m really looking forward to it. It is going to be the first match for both of us.”
SUNDAY ATP FINALS SCHEDULE
Centre Court Starts At 12:00 Noon
1 Ivan Dodig- Austin Krajicek vs 7 Maximo Gonzalez-Andres Molteni
Not Before 2:30 Pm
4 Jannik Sinner vs 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas
Not Before 6:30 Pm
4 Santiago Gonzalez-Edouard RogerVasselin vs 5 Marcel Granollers-Horacio Zeballos
Not Before 9:00 Pm
1 Novak Djokovic vs 8 Holger Rune
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