Little could have predicted that the semi-finals of the Final Masters in Turin, or the ATP Finals, as they are also called, would bring the latest tennis classic, just over half a year old. Novak Djokovic against Carlos Alkaras, a clash of generations and two of the best tennis players in the world. Janik Siner and Danil Medvedev will meet in the second semi-final.
Namely, despite two victories, Djokovic was "one foot" out of Turin - his fate depended on the outcome of the match that Siner played against Holger Rune, on one break point, one shot of the match that he watched on television, or followed the result on to the phone. However, he welcomed the late victory of the Italians, two nights ago, to continue his adventure in the tournament where he can win a record seventh cup.
Alkaras, on the other hand, started the ATP finals with a defeat, it seemed that Torino was a continuation of Shanghai and Paris, where he surprisingly lost early, but the Spaniard picked up his form at the right time and with maximum triumphs against Andrei Rublev and Danilo Medvedev won the first place in " to the red group".
Enough for a spectacle against a rival with whom he has already played three memorable matches this season - in the semi-finals of Roland Garros, the final of Wimbledon, and then in the final of the Masters in Cincinnati. The ratio is 2:1 for Djokovic, and counting the total, last year - 2:2.
The fifth duel of tennis players with an age difference of 16 years is scheduled for tonight at 21 pm, in the "Palau Alpitur" hall.
"One of the biggest challenges is to play against Novak who has won here six times. Djokovic is the best in the world, he has only lost six times this year. It's amazing, I'll do my best and try to enjoy it. I am delighted for the duel with Djokovic", said Alkaras.
And while the 20-year-old from Murcia is slowly catching his recognizable form at the end of the year, the question is how much "fuel" Djokovic has after another spectacular season. As he pointed out, he came to Turin with one goal - to achieve one single and secure the first place on the ATP list at the end of the year.
"Everything else is a bonus," Djokovic said.
And he achieved it, already in the first round against Rune.
Such a master, however, is never written off.
"Novak is still the main favorite for the title," said Rune.
"I am sure that Djokovic will be maximally motivated in the semi-finals. Someone who has won this trophy so many times really has no reason to lose his cool," said former Grand Slam champion Andy Roddick.
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