Djokovic lost to Sinner at ATP Finals

Italy's Novak Djokovic's 19-match winning streak ended when he lost to Jannik Sinner 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-7(2) in the Blue group on November 14.

For the second consecutive match at the ATP Finals, Djokovic had to play for over three hours. The Serbian player could not overcome in the third set as he did against Holger Rune two days ago. Nole fell in the tie-break series in the deciding set, thereby losing to Sinner for the first time in five matches.

Djokovic (left) congratulates Sinner after the match at the Blue Group ATP Finals in Turin, Italy on November 14.

The fast Turin court made it difficult for both players to return serve. Both players had just three break points, in a match that saw Djokovic hit 20 aces and Sinner hit 15. Nole hung on tenaciously throughout the match, but was helpless in the deciding tie-break as Sinner attacked with power and led 5-0 in the set, then won 7-2.

Sinner had led 4-2 in the third set with a forehand return winner. Djokovic then came back with his first serve winner of the match. The first two sets saw only one break point, which came from Sinner in game 11 of the first set.

In their first meeting on hard court, Sinner handed his senior his first loss after four months of unbeaten service. The Italian, with home court advantage, played confidently and intelligently against Djokovic. Sinner often combined powerful attacks with drop shots, forcing Nole to fall into a passive position and forcing him to rush the net before receiving a winner from his junior's counterattack.

"The win means a lot to me," Sinner said after the match. "It's great to beat the world number one, the legend with 24 Grand Slams."

Sinner has won 59 matches this season, a record for an Italian. He has also won 15 of his 16 indoor hard-court matches, and has beaten the reigning world number one for the second time. Sinner did so at the Miami Masters in March, when he beat Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals.

After two matches, Sinner has a record of 2 wins - 0 losses, holding a big advantage in competing for one of the two tickets to the next round. Djokovic has 1 win - 1 loss, still has a chance to reach the semi-finals. In the final round on November 16, Sinner will meet Holger Rune while Djokovic will face Hubert Hurkacz - the replacement for injured player Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Vy Anh

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