The ATP Finals in Turin have been given a huge lift-off with a lavish opening ceremony starring all the big names in the men’s game. World No 1 Novak Djokovic led the parade of stars who were greeted by a huge crowd, with play in the end-of-season championships set to get underway on Sunday at the Pala Alpitour.
“This palace is definitely one of the most stunning venues that I have seen in this city; it is incredibly historic and beautiful,” said six-time tournament champion Novak Djokovic.
“This is my third time in Turin and I have enjoyed myself very much. The whole city this week lives for tennis. You can feel a lot of interest, a lot of attention and passion for tennis and sport in general. Djokovic spent part of his Friday back on court for another practice session with his great rival, Carlos Alcaraz.
The pair had a hit prior to the Paris Masters event and they were back on court in Turin, with their great rivalry on the court clearly not affecting their warm relationship off it.
The fashion stakes were a big talking point as the final eight at the ATP Finals gathered for photographs, with Stefanos Tsitsipas catching the eye with a Mexican-style poncho.
Local favourite Jannik Sinner wore a loose cardigan and Djokovic made a statement as he wore a Lacoste bomber jacket and displayed a new trimmed tight haircut. Alcaraz was also in a bomber jacket, with his red choice contrasting with Djokovic as they posed at the centre of the official player photo as the two top ranked players.
One of the most eagerly anticipated clashes of the opening group phase with be Djokovic’s clash with Sinner and the Italian believes the debate over who is the greatest player of all-time has now been decided after a year that saw the Serbian win three more Grand Slam titles, taking his total to 24.
“You find yourself in front of someone who has won 24 Slams, three out of four this year alone. In terms of results, he is the best that this sport has ever had,” Sinner said of Djokovic in interview with Eurosport Italy.
“I hope to meet him as soon as possible. These are the important matches for my growth (as a player), the ones for which I say: I win or I learn. Djokovic will tell me where I am.
“I felt closer this year in the semifinals at Wimbledon, despite losing in three sets, then last year in the quarterfinals, when we fought for five. I can’t wait. These are the matches I train for every day, the ones that fill me with pressure.”
Sinner will play the first singles match of the ATP Finals on Sunday when he takes on Stefanos Tsitsipas in the afternoon match. Djokovic will then take centre stage in the evening, as he played Holger Rune knowing he will wrap up the year-end world No 1 title if he can beat his Danish rival.
