The two singles semi-finals played yesterday at Parra Appitol Arena both ended in straight sets. The lower-ranked red group started first, and Djokovic eventually grabbed Fritz, the number one men's singles in the United States, and has won 25 consecutive matches for American players since losing to Cannon Querrey at Wimbledon in 2016.
The Serbian king of Serbia, who beat Indian Wells Masters champion Fritz in a six-game winning streak, has advanced to the eighth year-end finals of his career and is expected to equal Federer's six-title record.
He holds a career record of 45-17 in the ATP Year-End Finals, lifting trophies in 2008 (Shanghai) and 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 (London), and taking away the largest prize fund in tennis history of $4.7403 million if he wins all of them.
In 2019, Barty was also in the year-end finals in Shenzhen, winning four consecutive wins to take away the highest single prize money in professional tennis - $4.42 million (if you win five consecutive championships, it will be $4,725,000). If Djokovic can win in one fell swoop, there is no doubt that he will complete 3 surpasses:
The record single prize money surpasses Barty, will also surpass Federer for the most prize money in ATP Finals history ($19,133,000 vs. $16,367,000), and will even surpass Roger Federer, who was 30 years old when he won the championship in 2011, to become the oldest winner in ATP Finals history.
Serbia's king replied: "Of course people can see how much prize money we make, but the media doesn't write about the taxes and other expenses that need to be paid, I'm not trying to sit here and talk about money being a problem in my life." I am very fortunate because my team, my family have worked with me to create tennis and the results to ensure that money is not an issue. ”
"I think every euro I earn is made up of sweat and tears. I never take this for granted, because I know exactly what is going on on my desk. 5 family members, war, sanctions ... Don't forget where I'm from and what era I grew up in. ”
Djokovic's supporters before the semi-finals were very worried about his fitness as he spared no effort in a third group game with no qualifiers but honours, prizes and points. On the other hand, Ruud is not like a giant with fighting spirit and a strong desire to win, he does not want to let his body take too much risk and choose to give up strategically, and from what he frankly revealed in his post-match interview, it can be verified that as we have seen, the work does not contribute. The top student at Nadal Academy did not let Principal Bean end the season with five consecutive defeats.
Djokovic said: "I know I won't be energetic when I play, but I have to find a different way to adjust my game. I didn't feel very good in the game. Physically I'm fine. I didn't hit the ball as cleanly as I did all week. ”
"At the same time, I think the value of that win is doubled because you don't feel good, but you can still beat a good player and two steals seven. Of course, I have to be happy about that. ”
Fritz has lost four consecutive games in six games with Djokovic to tie seven, and has not won a set in five tours, except for the Australian Open.
Last year at Melbourne Park, Djokovic suddenly tore his abs in two sets and eventually survived until the fifth set of painkillers to take the five-set victory. He made almost the same celebratory gestures as he did this year's victory over Medvedev in Turin – with his arms open, his eyes closed, his fists clenched and roared.
"I had to fight for survival and I didn't feel too positive and not very comfortable today. From yesterday's tough fight with Medvedev, I know going into today's game I need some time to adjust and find the movement I need and Fritz is one of the best serve players on tour. ”
Seventh-seeded Djokovic has been solid against Fritz, and he was happy to win in straight sets after a 3-hour and 11-minute round-robin match with Medvedev on Friday afternoon.
Djokovic said: "I have to be very patient, I didn't start well in the second set. But when he served, I managed to break his serve, just like yesterday when (Daniel) Medvedev served. In those moments, I found another weapon and managed to keep my nerves focused and get him to hit one more ball in the tie-break. I was happy to win this match because I didn't think it was the best day of my tennis career, but I managed to hold on. ”
The victory made the fans inside the Parra Appitol Arena cheer.
"I love that atmosphere, when people come to see you play, they expect some kind of entertainment and great tennis and hopefully they have a good time, especially towards the end of the game. Against a player like Fritz who has a strong serve, every point counts. ”
Although Djokovic returned to the finals final after four years, he has not lifted the trophy for six years.
Although he has won three straight and lost a set against his Norwegian brother, the 36-year-old Djokovic is not physically fit enough to beat the youngster, and he needs to prepare for the final.
Deyo's physical struggle apparently caught Ruud's attention as well. He knows that as Djokovic prepares for his third game in three days, his exhaustion is gradually coming and he will use this as motivation to seize his chances.
"Like I said, he really doesn't have any weaknesses, but he plays a little more tennis than I do," he said. I'm not sure if he'll get tired, maybe not, but it's the best way for me to get to the final – I hope I can reserve some for this great tennis match tomorrow and see what happens. ”
At the Turin Para Appitol Arena in Turin, the green robed red group leader Deyo and the red group leader Ruud will play together in their seventh final of the season, who do you like to be the winner who has the last laugh?
(Source: Tennis House Author: Linghe Xianying)
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