Problem-free debut in Bercy for Novak Djokovic. The world number 1, who was returning to the court for the first time after his victory at the US Open, defeated the Argentine Tomas Etcheverry in two sets with a score of 6-3, 6-2. The difference in values on the court is too high, with Djokovic who, net of oneonly break point granted is canceled out with a great forehand winner, he seemed careful in managing his energy and well rested to close the season in the best possible way. For the Serbian there are two objectives: end the year at the top of the rankings – taking advantage of an Alcaraz who seems, on the contrary, physically and mentally exhausted to keep up with the pace – and win the seventh ATP Finals in his career.
Dimitrov show, Medvedev eliminated in three sets
As for the other results of the day, the surprise is thereelimination of Daniil Medvedevseeded number 3 of the tournament and winner in Paris Bercy in 2020. The Russian was defeated by a Grigor Dimitrov in sparkling form, at the end of an almost three-hour marathon match. 6-3, 6-7, 7-6 the score for the Bulgarian who won only on the seventh match point, after having wasted the first four from 5-4, 40-15 and serve in the third set. Medvedev looked uncomfortable on a much slower pitch and with decidedly lower rebounds than the one in Vienna and he also paid for the hostile atmosphere, arguing with the public on several occasions and being booed as he left the pitch, a gesture to which the Russian responded with an eloquent middle finger. In the round of 16 Dimitrov, whose bandage on his left leg does not seem to cause any worries for now, will face the Kazakh Alexander Bublik.
in-depth analysis
Medvedev: “Middle finger? I was looking at my nails”
Avanti anche Tsitsipas e Hurkacz, fuori Paul
The number 7 seed, however, advances to the round of 16. Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek defeated Very happy Auger with the score of 6-3, 7-6 in one of the most interesting second round matches scheduled in Bercy. Regrets for the Canadian who was ahead 5-2 in the second set and had three set points, including one on serve at 5-3. For Greek, the fifth qualification in a row for the ATP Finals is on ice. Still in the ATP Finals key, platinum victory by Sascha Zverevwho beat the last Frenchman left on the scoreboard, Ugo Humbert, at the end of an epic match lasting almost three and a half hours, which ended 6-4, 6-7, 7-6 for the finalist in Bercy in 2020. Zverev had the chance to close the match already at 5-4 and serve in the second set, but he let himself be intimidated by the crowd, with Humbert who in general tried to interpret the match with more courage , but who trembled from 4-2 and minibreak advantage in the decisive tiebreak. Still with an ATP Finals focus, the comeback continues Hubert Hurkacz in the race. The Pole, who needs at least to reach the semifinals in Bercy to overtake Rune, defeated with a clear 6-3, 6-2 the Spaniard Bautista Agut and, finding himself in the part of the scoreboard left uncovered by Alcaraz and Medvedev, he is now really starting to hope. In the round of 16, there will be no play-off for the Pole Casper Ruudbecause the Norwegian was defeated by Francisco Cerundolo per 7-5, 6-4. With this defeat, the finalist at the ATP Finals no longer has a chance to defend the result of a year ago and, as a consequence, he will fall out of the top ten. Tommy Paul out of the running for Turin: the American, who still needed to win the title in Bercy, was defeated by the Dutch qualifier Botic Van de Zandschulp, who won 6-4, 2-6, 6-3. He still remains arithmetically in the game, even if with minimal hopes, Alex de Minaur. The Australian defeated Dusan Lajovic in a comeback with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, but to reach the unexpected qualification in Turin he needs to win both in Bercy and in Metz, also hoping in the steps false others.
The post first appeared on sport.sky.it