Former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic takes on a determined Taylor Fritz in the semifinals of the ATP Finals on Saturday.
The Serbian legend has been in exemplary form since winning his seventh Wimbledon title. He is the only player in this year’s edition of the ATP Finals to remain undefeated.
Djokovic began his campaign with a comprehensive win against Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 (7-4). This was his 9th straight win against the Greek and 10th overall. In his second encounter, the 21-time Grand Slam champion made light work of an in-form Andrey Rublev. Djokovic won the match 6-4, 6-1 to put one foot in the semis. Tsitsipas defeating Daniil Medvedev, later on, confirmed the Serb’s ticket to the semis. Djokovic faced Medvedev in what turned out to be the longest match in this year’s tournament. The match went on for over 3 hours as Medvedev and Djokovic gave it their all in what was essentially a dead rubber. Djokovic seemed to battle illness during the encounter that he eventually won 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-2).
The young American entered the tournament as the eighth seed but has played very well so far. He looked technically and tactically sound during his wins against Rafael Nadal and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Fritz had a great start to the tournament as he overwhelmed Rafael Nadal in the first match. The 25-year-old won the match 7-6 (7-3), 6-1, and took advantage of a rusty-looking Nadal. In his second match, Fritz went down fighting against the third seed Casper Ruud. The match ended 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (8-6) in favor of the Norwegian sensation. Fritz faced Felix Auger-Aliassime in a virtual quarterfinal. Both men came into the match with a win against Nadal and a loss against Ruud. In a closely-contested affair, Fritz took the honors as he went past the young Canadian with a win in three sets 7-6 (7-4), 6-7 (5-7), 6-2. Fritz has gone on to win the tournament every time he has reached the semis.
The head-to-head scoreline currently stands at 5-0 in favor of Djokovic. He defeated Fritz in their most recent encounter at the 2021 Paris Masters in straight sets.
Prediction: Novak Djokovic to win in straight sets.
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