Djokovic defeats Fritz, to face Ruud in final

Turin, Nov 20: Novak Djokovic kept his bid for a record-equaling sixth ATP Finals title alive by beating Taylor Fritz of the United States to reach the final of the prestigious season-ending tournament.
The Serb will face the third-seeded Casper Ruud in Sunday’s final as he attempts to win his first title at the event since 2015 and match Roger Federer’s record.
Djokovic, who went unbeaten through the group stage, beat Fritz 7-6 (5), 7-6 (6) in just under two hours in Turin, securing the win on his second match point.
He has now won all six of his encounters against the 25-year-old Fritz.
Djokovic had to recover quickly from a grueling three-hour win over Daniil Medvedev in his final group match, which had ended less than 24 hours previously.
“I had to fight to survive,” Djokovic said.
A spirited showing from Fritz saw him recover from a break down in the first set.
The American also broke in the opening game of the second and he appeared to be on the verge of leveling the match when he surged into a 5-3 lead.
Djokovic held but Fritz was left serving for the set at 5-4. However, it was 30-30 in that game when a fan shouted out as he was going for the ball and he hit it into the net.
“Someone just like flat out screaming to purposely throw you off, it’s not something you’re ever used to, so when it happens it’s an absolute shock. It’s disgusting man.”
Djokovic broke back and again found a way to pull through the tiebreaker.
“I had to be very patient, I didn’t start the second set very well,” Djokovic said. (AP)