Novak Djokovic’s destiny within the ATP Finals hangs within the steadiness regardless of his win over Hubert Hurkacz on Thursday.
Djokovic defeated Poland’s Hurkacz, a alternative for the injured Stefanos Tsitsipas, 7-6 (7-1) 4-6 6-1 in Turin.
Nevertheless, the world primary won’t qualify for the semi-finals if Holger Rune beats Jannik Sinner within the closing group recreation afterward Thursday.
Italy’s Sinner, who ended Djokovic’s 19-match successful streak on Tuesday, is assured a spot within the final 4.
The 22-year-old dwelling favorite, who will end a minimum of second within the Inexperienced Group, is about to grow to be the primary Italian to play within the semi-finals of the season-ending event.
Unable to progress whatever the end result, Hurkacz got here into the match in opposition to Djokovic with nothing to lose and held agency on his serve all through the primary set.
The world quantity 9 crumbled within the tie-break and Djokovic wanted simply the second of six set factors to safe the opener.
Nevertheless, in a 14-minute interval the place the Serb did not win a single level, Hurkacz broke and consolidated to go 4-2 up earlier than saving two break factors and serving out for the set.
Djokovic regained management to safe the third set and the match, however he requires Sinner to beat Rune if he’s to proceed his bid for a report seventh ATP Finals title.
The ATP Finals options eight of the yr’s finest males’s gamers break up into two teams of 4, with the highest two in every qualifying for the semi-finals.