Novak Djokovic: Alexander Zverev deserved ATP title but I’ve had an amazing year

Novak Djokovic conceded that Alexander Zverev was the better player in the ATP World Tour Final on Sunday, but won’t let it detract from the remarkable season he has produced himself.
The world number one was comprehensively beaten by Zverev at The O2, as he became the youngest ATP Finals champion in a decade at just 21-years-old.
Djokovic, though, remained philosophical after the match.
“First of all congratulations Sascha to you and your team,” the Serb said.
“You definitely played much better than you had in the group stage.
Novak Djokovic comments on ATP Tour’s generation gap and defends young players.https://t.co/TvbYsACLgx
— Tennis365 (@T365Official) November 17, 2018
“You deserved to win. I wish you all the best for your future.
“Hopefully I’ll play many more years and see you guys here in the years to come.
“I want to thank my team. Today wasn’t a great day for us but if we put things into perspective it was an amazing year, an amazing comeback.
“If someone told me (I would end the year as number one) at that time it was looking quite improbable.
“Not just ranking-wise, I wasn’t playing even close to where I wanted to be at in terms of level of tennis.
“No one likes to lose, and I’ve just come off court but you put things in a larger perspective, see things a bit differently.”
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Bianca Andreescu posts video showing she is back on her feet after horror injury
Bianca Andreescu has posted a further update, showing her walking her dog Coco with a boot protecting her damaged ankle.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon’s decision to lift Russian and Belarusian player ban slammed as ‘immoral’
Wimbledon lambasted for giving Russian and Belarusian players the green light to compete.
-
Tennis News
WATCH: Roger Federer and ‘brother from a different mother’ Trevor Noah go on an epic adventure
Roger Federer and Trevor Noah enjoy the “ride of a lifetime”.
-
Wimbledon
Full statement as Wimbledon reveal its verdict on Russian and Belarusian player ban
AELTC has finally announced its decision on the Russian and Belarusian player ban.
-
Tennis News
Gael Monfils gives career update: ‘Am I making a comeback? Or am I about to quit tennis?’
“I’m fine, I’m recovering, I’m not broken,” says Gael Monfils.
-
ATP Tour
WATCH: Every winner from Carlos Alcaraz during his Miami Open victory over Taylor Fritz
Carlos Alcaraz didn’t make a single unforced error against Taylor Fritz!
-
French Open
WATCH: Rafael Nadal receives replica of Roland Garros sculpture, sets low-key goal for French Open
Rafael Nadal now has a replica of his Roland Garros statue in Manacor.
-
WTA Tour
WATCH: Elena Rybakina ups the aggression to beat Jessica Pegula and stay on course for Sunshine Double
Elena Rybakina edges closer to joining an elite list.
-
ATP Tour
‘Carlos Alcaraz tougher to face than Nadal, Djokovic, Federer and ahead of Big Three at the same age’
High praise for Carlos Alcaraz from Taylor Fritz.
-
Tennis News
Tennis umpire hit with lifetime ban for manipulating scoring in several matches
ITIA comes down hard on corrupt official.