'Every time Novak Djokovic plays he’s almost winning', says analyst

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The red group of the Nitto ATP Finals is a challenge between former champions of this tournament, with the exception of Andrey Rublev. The Russian number two is the only one who has not won the title among the four: Novak Djokovic is five trophies won, one step away from Roger Federer's record; Daniil Medvedev won it in 2020, in addition to the final that he lost last year to Zverev; Stefanos Tsitsipas lifted the year-end trophy in 2019, becoming one of the few tennis players to have won the Finals on his first appearance. "My first reaction [to the group] was not good. "I thought: 'What am I doing here, in this group?', the winner of four titles this season joked before the ATP microphones. In his first match, on the second day of the tournament, he will face his compatriot Daniil Medvedev, in a Russian derby: "Against Daniil it will be a real chess match. I'm not even watching my other matches. I think we will both show a very good level, a level that the viewers will appreciate." This year's is Andrey Rublev's third appearance at the Nitto ATP Finals: in the previous two editions (in 2020 and 2021), the Russian has never made it past the group stage. The reason for these difficulties lies mainly in the rivals they face, since the tournament is made up of the eight best in the world. "It can't be helped. - Rublev told ATP microphones: "If you want to play against the best and try to beat them, you have to face them. I just want to enjoy my time and give my best. Despite the losses, the finals always provide strong emotions, both for the Russian player and for the public in the stands. "This moment is special, I like it."

Nole Djokovic reacted

Novak Djokovic being at every major event would be a huge boost to tennis, according to Alex Corretja. "I’m sure he’s been suffering so much because he loves tennis as much as all the others, but because of the circumstances, he decided that he didn’t want to go through some situations and sacrificed some of the bigger events of the tennis world. And especially since he’s been bidding to become the greatest of the whole history at the end of their careers when they retire. He’s been for me an example of superiority because every time he plays he’s almost winning. And also when you don’t play that much, then it’s difficult to get the rhythm, but he’s been just winning almost every time he plays the tournament.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/Uzw5MZO

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