In the Green Group clash at the ATP Finals, world number one Novak Djokovic defeated alternate Hubert Hurkacz with a score of 7-6(1) 4-6 6-1 on Thursday. However, the dropped set against Hurkacz means that Djokovic’s qualification for the semi-finals is uncertain. This also confirmed Jannik Sinner’s place in the semi-finals, marking him as the first Italian in the tournament’s history to reach that stage.
Djokovic’s fate depends on the result of the final group match between Sinner and Denmark’s Holger Rune later on Thursday. If Sinner defeats Rune, Djokovic will advance to the semi-finals.
Despite playing as an alternate, Hurkacz was formidable on serve, delivering 24 aces during the match. However, he faltered in the final set as Djokovic successfully converted break points for the first time in the contest.
As Djokovic awaits his fate, the outcome of the match between Sinner and Rune will determine whether he continues in the tournament.
(Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)
