Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a forehand shot during the semi final match between Taylor Fritz of the United States on day seven of the Nitto ATP Finals at Pala Alpitour on November 19, 2022 in Turin, Italy. | Image Credit: Getty Images
Novak Djokovic defeated American Taylor Fritz in the semifinals of the ATP Finals on Saturday, despite a bad day in his own opinion, to move within one win of matching Roger Federer’s record six titles in the season finale.
Djokovic, chasing a sixth title at the event, prevailed 7-6(5) 7-6(6) and will face either Casper Ruud or Andrey Rublev in Sunday’s final.
“I have to fight to survive,” said the 35-year-old Serbian after his gutsy victory in one hour 54 minutes at the Pala Alpitour in Turin.
“I’m not very reactive now or very comfortable. I know coming into today’s match from yesterday’s grueling battle against (Daniil) Medvedev… it will take me some time to adjust and find the dynamic movement I need against Fritz, who is one of the best servers in Tour.
“I’m very pleased to get through this one because I don’t think it was one of my best days in my tennis but I managed to hang in there.”
If Djokovic wins the final, he will claim the biggest prize in tennis history, cashing in $4,740,300 for lifting the tournament trophy undefeated.
