Staff Reporter.
Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title was ended by German third seed Alexander Zverev in a high-quality semi-final.
World number one Djokovic was beaten 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-3 as 24-year-old Zverev booked his place in Sunday’s final against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev.
Zverev played superbly throughout, serving well and patiently trading from the baseline to wear Djokovic down.
Defending champion Medvedev beat Norway’s Casper Ruud in Turin.
Zverev sealed victory with a huge ace at 11:40pm local time and goes on to meet US Open champion Medvedev, who clinched a comfortable 6-4 6-2 win several hours earlier, at 5pm (16:00 GMT) on Sunday.
“It took a lot of physical strength to beat Novak, every time we play it takes hours,” said Zverev, who also beat Serb Djokovic in the Olympic semi-finals but lost to him at the Australian Open and US Open.
“I’ve not spent more time with anybody on court than him this year. I’m happy to win, happy to be in the final and give myself the best chance there.”
After the defeat, Djokovic did not want to be drawn on whether he would play at the Australian Open in January.
“We’ll see,” said the nine-time Melbourne men’s champion, who has not revealed his vaccination status.
It was a disappointing end to a remarkable season for Djokovic, who fell one match short of becoming the first man to win a calendar Grand Slam since Rod Laver in 1969 when he lost the US Open final to Medvedev.
The 20-time major champion was hoping to draw level with Roger Federer on six season-ending championship titles.