Djokovic wins 50 matches for 11th time in 12 years with win over Isner
novak djokovic john isner atp finals london 2018 nitto
HIGHLIGHTS: Novak Djokovic d. John Isner, 6-4, 6-3
He never lost serve, or even faced a break point. In the match-up between John Isner and Novak Djokovic at the Nitto ATP Finals, you might think that might describe the towering American whose first and second serves are two of the best shots in the sport. But it was Djokovic, the world No. 1, who was superlative on serve in a 6-4, 6-3 win over Isner to open his year-ending tournament on a winning note, and captue his milestone 50th victory of the season.
It was Djokovic who threatened to break serve from the get-go, earning a break point in each of Isner’s first two service games of the match. He finally drew first blood in Isner's third service game, breaking for a 3-2 lead, with the two players holding from there until Djokovic had the first set.
The two settled into a holding pattern for the first six games of the second set, but again it was Djokovic who pounced on return. He broke for 4-3, and after consolidating, broke one last time for the match. The Wimbledon and US Open champion fired a crosscourt backhand passing shot winner to close out this evening contest after an hour and 13 minutes.
“It was a great match,” said Djokovic, who at one point won 21 straight points on serve. “Obviously I managed to have three breaks of serve of John, which is sometimes mission impossible, but I just managed to be at the right place at the right times, I guess. I also held my serve really well—I thought I backed it up nicely from the baseline. I played very solid from the back of the court and didn’t give him many opportunities.
“Overall, it was a good match for me today.”
“Good” is a serious understatement. Djokovic struck only six unforced errors the entire match: two on the forehand, three on the backhand and one double fault. Contrast that with 22 winners and it's easy to see why he earned the win overall.
It was a happy return to London for Djokovic, who missed last year’s ATP Finals with an elbow injury.
“It’s great to be back at the O2 Arena. I love this place,” Djokovic said. “It’s been a lucky place for me over the years. I’ve had lots of success here. I missed playing this tournament last year because of the elbow injury—I really kind of enjoyed my time off, but I also really missed playing in this arena.
“This is one of the biggest stages in the world for tennis. I’m just glad to be back.”
Djokovic, who improved to 50-11 in 2018 with Monday’s win, has now recorded 50 or more match wins in 11 of the last 12 years. (The exception was last year, when he didn’t play after Wimbledon.) The Serb is a five-time champion at the ATP Finals, winning the season-ending championships in 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Roger Federer has the record for most ATP Finals crowns with six.
This Week on Tennis Channel:
ATP Finals (Sun - Sun 11.11 - 11.18) - Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and the world's best collide in the season Finale. Live coverage begins on Tennis Channel Sunday at 7:00am EST.