Road to Nitto ATP Finals: Overview of Novak Djokovic’s 2020 season, Past Performance and Prediction for ATP Finals 2020


Road to Nitto ATP Finals: Overview of Novak Djokovic’s 2020 season, Past Performance and Prediction for ATP Finals 2020
Novak Djokovic enters the Nitto ATP Finals 2020 as the top seed

Novak Djokovic qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals 2020 as the top seed, at the back of a successful year on tour. The Serbian started the year as the world number 2 and is assured of a World number 1 year-end finish. Djokovic won 4 ATP titles in the shortened ATP calendar because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Serbian enjoyed an astonishing win-loss record of 39-3 during 2020.

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In this article, we will have a look at Novak Djokovic’s performance in 2020 in lead up to the Nitto ATP Finals and look at his previous performances at the ATP Finals.

Back to back titles in Australia and Dubai to start off the year

Novak Djokovic with the Dubai and Australian Open titles

Novak Djokovic started the year off on a strong note winning the ATP Cup, a team event which was held for the first time this year. The Serbian won all his matches(6) to propel Serbia to the title. He also defeated Rafael Nadal in the finals of the ATP Cup between Spain and Serbia.

Novak Djokovic defended his title at the Australian Open, defeating Dominic Thiem in a five set thriller in the final. The Serbian won his third consecutive Australian Open title and his 8th overall in Australia. Djokovic looked solid throughout the Australian Open and just dropped a single set during the tournament. He also defeated Roger Federer in straight sets in the semifinals.

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Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships to clinch his 5th title in Dubai. The Serbian extended his unbeaten run during the year to 18. He defeated the likes of Gael Monfils, Karen Khachanov to lift the title in Dubai.

Title in Cincinnati and first loss at the US Open

Novak Djokovic won the Cincinnati Masters 2020

Novak Djokovic resumed his season at the Cincinnati Masters after the lockdown. The Serbian picked up right from where he left off 6 months back in Dubai, and secured his 2nd Cincinnati Masters title. He defeated Milos Raonic in three sets in the final and extended his winning streak to 23. At this point, it looked like Djokovic would go unbeaten for the whole year.

Novak Djokovic suffered a shocking fourth round exit against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open 2020 as he was defaulted for swatting a ball towards the line judge. The default handed him his 1st loss of 2020. The Serbian was on course to collect his 4th US Open title before the unfortunate incident in the 4th round.

Glory in Rome and more heartbreak in Paris

Novak Djokovic with his 36th Masters title

Novak Djokovic quickly put behind the disappointment of the US Open and returned back in style to claim his 5th Italian Open title and a record 36 Masters titles. The Serbian defeated Diego Schwartzman in the final and made a huge statement signalling that he was ready to challenge Rafael Nadal at the French Open 2020.

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Novak Djokovic suffered a thumping loss in the finals of the French Open 2020 to Rafael Nadal. The Serbian lost the final in straight sets to end his clay court season. This was Djokovic’s 3rd loss in the finals of the French Open. The Serbian was looking in good form until the finals and even defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in 5 sets in the semifinals. But, Rafael Nadal proved too strong for him in the finals, and the Spaniard claimed his 13th French Open title.

Shock exit from the Vienna Open and year-end World number one ranking

Novak Djokovic accepted the wildcard to participate at the Vienna Open, after he missed the initial date to confirm his presence via ATP Rankings. Djokovic suffered a shocking loss in the quarterfinals to Lorenzo Sonego who dished out a straight sets loss to him. However, Novak Djokovic secured his main motive of a year-end number one ranking for the 6th time, after reaching the last 8 in Vienna.

Due to the new ATP points system, Novak Djokovic decided not to involve himself much during the indoor hard court season. The Serbian will now return to court at the Nitto ATP Finals as the top seed, aiming to secure his 6th ATP Finals title.

TournamentResult
Australian OpenWinner
Dubai Tennis ChampionshipsWinner
Cincinnati MastersWinner
US Open4th Round
Italian OpenWinner
French OpenRunner-up
Vienna OpenQuarterfinals
Novak Djokovic in 2020

Nitto ATP Finals: Past Performance

Novak Djokovic has won 5 ATP Finals titles

Novak Djokovic has enjoyed tremendous success at the ATP Finals, where he has won 5 times in the past. His first title came in 2008 when the tournament was played in Shanghai. He defeated Nikolay Davydenko in the finals. He secured 4 consecutive titles from 2012 to 2015, defeating Roger Federer thrice and Nadal once in the finals. Last year, the Serbian suffered a disappointing group stage exit after losing to Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem. This year will be Novak Djokovic’s 13th appearance at the ATP Finals.

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YearResult
2007Round-Robin
2008Winner
2009Round-Robin
2010Semifinals
2011Round-Robin
2012Winner
2013Winner
2014Winner
2015Winner
2016Runner-up
2018Runner-up
2019Round-Robin
Novak Djokovic at ATP Finals

Nitto ATP Finals: Prediction for Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic is expected to reach the final in London

Novak Djokovic is one of the favourites alongside Rafael Nadal to claim his 6th ATP Finals trophy. Djokovic will not be in the same group as Rafael Nadal as he is seeded 2nd, but faces a possibility of facing him in the semifinals or the finals. Given Novak Djokovic has got adequate rest before the Nitto ATP Finals and his top form this year, he is expected to atleast reach the finals. The Serbian has already secured the year end Number one rankings and will also look forward to end the season with a good performance in London.

Expected Finish: Runner-up / Champion

Also Read: Nitto ATP Finals: Djokovic, Nadal among โ€˜Top Playersโ€™ in the final lineup