Novak Djokovic beat Casper Ruud 7-5 6-3 to win the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals for the sixth time in his career.
Djokovic’s title means he equals Roger Federer in the history of the tournament and becomes the oldest champion at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old’s victory ensured that he maintained his unbeaten streak against Ruud. He walks with a record payment of more than $4.7 million, as well as 1,500 ATP Rankings points.
The title is Djokovic’s first at a season-ending tournament since 2015.
“Seven years is a long time,” Djokovic said. “At the same time, the seven-year wait makes his success all the sweeter and bigger.
“It’s very difficult (to end the year with a victory). I’ve probably talked about this season and how unusual it is a thousand times, so I won’t repeat what most people who follow tennis know. That’s it. It’s a big relief and satisfaction.
“Also, I’m looking forward to having a few weeks,” continued Djokovic. “I was on the needle (on the edge), whether it was a game or waiting for permission to go somewhere. So, I’m very happy that I was able to solve it in a good way.”
In the doubles match, Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury beat Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 to put last season’s defeat behind them.
Salisbury is the first Briton to win the Nitto ATP Finals title, while Ram is the 18th American to lift the crown.
“That’s where we had one of our best games, one of our best games as a team,” Salisbury said.
“I think we’re very proud of everything we’ve done this week. We’ve had some challenges, but we’ve stuck together the whole way. [I’m] so excited, I can’t believe we made it this far. “
