TORINO | Serbian Novak Djokovic became the second player after Norwegian Casper Ruud to qualify for the semi-finals of the ATP Finals on Wednesday.
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Djokovic, seeded seventh in Turin, easily disposed of Russian Andrey Rublev, 6-4, 6-1. The “Djoker” took less than 1h10 min to overcome his rival, who completely collapsed in the 10th game of the initial round, which until then had been very tight.
This victory for Djokovic means that he could find Félix Auger-Aliassime in the semi-finals.
Of course, nothing is decided yet for the Quebecer: in order to reach the semi-finals, Félix will have to defeat the American Taylor Fritz, eighth seed, on Thursday.
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If they were to face each other on Saturday, Auger-Aliassime and Djokovic would not be their first exchanges on the central Pala Alpitour. The two players trained together on the eve of the tournament.
Intensity and dedication
And the former world number 1 explained on Wednesday that he liked having his young rival as a hitting partner.
“He brings a lot of intensity to the field and that’s something I appreciate,” replied the Serb to the Journal’s question at a press conference. He is very dedicated and it is something close to his heart. »
“He has a very good team around him. He is on the right track,” he continued.
A respectful rival
The exceptional month of October experienced by the 22-year-old player – and his three titles in a row – did not escape the holder of 21 Grand Slam titles.
“He has a great work ethic and he is a very complete player, generously continued Djokovic. He has improved exceptionally in the last six or 12 months. His results show it. »
Full of praise, the veteran also called Auger-Aliassime “a very good person”.
“He greets everyone and he is very respectful. Which, in my opinion, is very important. Young players need to respect those who somehow paved the way for them. »
…but he’s aiming for revenge
But be careful, Félix: even if “Djoko” throws you flowers, he hasn’t forgotten that you beat him in September, at the Laver Cup. “If I have to face him here, I would like to return the favor to him,” he said, smirking.
Even though he’s also in great form at the moment – Djokovic has only lost two games in four tournaments since Wimbledon – the Serb doesn’t take this possible rematch lightly.
“We all know what he is capable of. We know he is one of the best players in the world. He plays very well on all surfaces. He can be a threat everywhere and aspire to the biggest titles on the planet. »
