Novak Djokovic declares himself ‘in good shape’ ahead of the ATP Finals
Novak Djokovic says he is ‘motivated and up for the challenge’ of winning what would be a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals.
Djokovic is in the unusual position of arriving at the tournament feeling physically fresh after being forced to play a reduced schedule in 2022.
He also arrived in Turin in excellent form having won in Tel-Aviv and Astana and reaching the final of the Paris Masters.
“You’ve got to play the best players in the world [here],” Djokovic told the ATP. “You have to play more or less everyone in this tournament at least once, so I look forward to it. I’ve had experience in this tournament, in this format, many times and hopefully that can serve me in a good way.
“[It would be] a perfect ending [to the season. The cherry on the cake, for sure, but it’s a long way. It’s a long week.”
Novak Djokovic will open his campaign against 2019 champion Stefanos Tsitsipas, who could still finish the year as world number one if he can be perfect in Italy.
“I played him in the past two tournaments I played, in the final in Astana and the semi-finals in Paris,” said Djokovic. “Both matches were quite close, particularly the one in Paris. I know that I am expecting a tough match without a doubt.
“I don’t feel like I’m as young as the other guys [and] it’s been a while since my first participation in the [Nitto ATP Finals], but I’ve been in good shape, I think.
“Particularly in the past four or five months. I’ve won Wimbledon and most of the tournaments that I’ve had indoors prior to the world Tour finals.
“I’m motivated and I’m looking forward to a challenge. I think the intensity is going to be really high, right from the blocks I have to be focused like I’m playing finals. Each match is going to be this way.”
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