The ATP Finals’ Green Group action resumed with both semifinal spots from this Group still up for grabs. Novak Djokovic aimed to bounce back from his previous defeat to Jannik Sinner, understanding that a victory against ‘alternate’ Hubert Hurkacz would significantly contribute to extending his title defense at the ATP Finals in Turin.
Hurkacz entered the match with a ‘nothing to lose’ mindset, stepping in as a replacement for Stefanos Tsitsipas, who suffered a back injury during his match with Holger Rune. The first set witnessed a flurry of powerful serves from the tall Polish star, a leader in aces on the ATP tour this year. Bringing his ace game to the floor, Hurkacz hit 13 aces, to take the first set to a tiebreaker.
However, Djokovic’s spirited resolve limited Hurkacz to only one point, resulting in a 7-1 tiebreak win for Djokovic to win the first set. Despite losing the set, Hurkacz bounced back with an early break of serve, leading 4-2 in the second set against a tired-looking Djokovic. With a single break of serve, Hurkacz leveled the match, winning the second set 6-4.
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic beats #ATPFinals alternate Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(1), 4-6, 6-1 in his final group match but the Serbian can qualify for the semifinals only if Jannik Sinner defeats Holger Rune later tonight
READ👇https://t.co/RvRd8mqfR0pic.twitter.com/5wImhzKIgp
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) November 16, 2023
In the decisive third set, Djokovic showcased his resilience and determination to secure the victory. Djokovic managed to dominate the third set, winning 6-1 and sealing the match in two hours and five minutes. The world no.1 secured a crucial break, in the fourth and sixth games, and eventually served out the match, emphasizing his determination to advance in the tournament with a scoreline of 7-6(1) 4-6 6-1.
Novak Djokovic’s semifinals fate still hangs in balance
Novak Djokovic recovered from his first defeat to Jannik Sinner after nineteen consecutive wins by securing a hard-fought win over alternate, Hubert Hurkacz in his last group match at the 2023 ATP Finals. Djokovic’s victory in 3 sets, however, will not ensure his qualification for the semifinals birth.
In case Holger Rune wins his match against Jannik Sinner, he will qualify along with the Italian to the semifinals of the elite tournament by winning more sets. Djokovic must now rely on Jannik Sinner to defeat Holger Rune to be able to progress to the semifinals in Turin. He seemed a bit upset about losing the second set to Hurkacz but didn’t show his concern to the interviewer on the courtside post the match.
Djokovic had a very short interview after his match with Hubi Hurkacz
“You seemed upset in that 2nd set. What happened in this match?”
Novak: “Why? Why was I upset? I lost the set. It’s normal.”
“How do you reflect on the match?”
Novak: “Good win” 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 16, 2023
When queried whether he will be watching that match, Novak replied, “My kids are arriving tonight, so I don’t think I’ll watch. I did my job and I’m going to spend tonight with the family. Then tomorrow I can worry about whether I qualified or not.”
However Djokovic could have ensured his semifinal slot, had he won in straight sets and not been dependent on the Green Group’s finale match. Novak Djokovic fans would be eagerly anticipating the outcome of the Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune match and hope that the in-form Sinner prevails over Rune. Stay tuned for that match!