Novak Djokovic, a six-time champion, showcased his resilience in the ATP Finals on Thursday, clinching a vital victory against alternate Hubert Hurkacz. Despite a slight setback in the second set, Djokovic emerged triumphant with a 7-6 (7-1), 4-6, 6-1 win.
Hurkacz entered as an alternate following Stefanos Tsitsipas's withdrawal due to a back injury.
With a 2-1 standing in the Green Group, Djokovic's fate in the semifinals hinges on the outcome between Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner, eagerly anticipated by fans and reported by ATP tour.
Djokovic, eyeing his 12th semi-final appearance in 16 ATP Finals, navigated through a power-packed match against Hurkacz, maintaining his flawless record of 7-0 in ATP Head-to-Head encounters against the Polish player.
The intense clash saw both athletes vying for court control, persistently hugging the baseline, shaping a two-hour, four-minute spectacle.
Despite being 36 years old, Djokovic demonstrated remarkable consistency, tallying just 13 unforced errors compared to Hurkacz's 41, which notably included 23 from his forehand. Djokovic's prowess extended to his second serve, clinching 73 per cent of second-serve points, overshadowing his opponent's 32 per cent.
Djokovic's journey in the group stage has consistently stretched to three sets, reflecting his enduring resilience. The defending champion's extensive court time, surpassing eight hours across three matches, sets the stage for a potential historic achievement—surpassing Roger Federer with an unprecedented seven ATP Finals titles.
(With Agency Inputs)
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