Novak Djokovic’s ATP Finals fate out of his hands despite downing Hubert Hurkacz

Ewan West
Novak Djokovic at the 2023 ATP Finals
Novak Djokovic reacts at the 2023 ATP Finals

Novak Djokovic overcame Hubert Hurkacz in three sets to keep his hopes alive at the 2023 ATP Finals, but he is not guaranteed a place in the knockout stage in Turin.

The world No 1 prevailed 7-6(1) 4-6, 6-1 against the world No 9 in his final round-robin match in the Green Group on Tuesday afternoon.

The fact the Serbian dropped a set means he now needs Jannik Sinner to defeat Holger Rune in the last match in the group to progress to the semi-finals.

Sinner has already qualified for the knockout stage following his wins over Stefanos Tsitsipas and Djokovic and will go through alongside Rune if he loses to the Dane on Tuesday night.

Djokovic could have all but sealed his spot in the last four if he had beaten Hurkacz in straight sets and looked on course to do so after taking the opener on a tiebreak.

The 36-year-old, though, played a poor game to lose his serve to love at 2-2 in the second set, with a double fault at 0-40 proving costly. The big-serving Pole then saved two break points with aces at 4-3, 15-40, before taking the set to level the contest.

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The 24-time Major champion regrouped to break twice and storm through the third set to triumph, but appeared flat and wore a wry smile after match point, given he had failed to maximise his qualification chances.

Hurkacz was an alternate at the ATP Finals and replaced Tsitsipas, who withdrew from the event through injury following his retirement in his match with Rune.

In an on-court interview with ATP Tennis TV, Djokovic was asked about appearing to be “upset” in the second set, to which he replied: “Why? Was I upset, for what? I lost the set, so it’s normal.”

Then, when asked for his thoughts on the match, the Serb simply said: “Good win, good win.”

Following an entertaining three-set win over Holger Rune in his opening match in Turin, Djokovic fell in a thrilling three-set battle to Sinner on Tuesday night.

The Serb is the defending ATP Finals champion, having downed Casper Ruud in last year’s final to claim a record-equalling sixth crown at the year-end championships. Only his great rival Roger Federer has won has many titles at the event.

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