The ATP Tennis Radio Podcast · ATP Media

PODCAST - Ruthless Djokovic Claims Record Seventh Nitto ATP Finals Title

·55 min·5 clips

Novak Djokovic reveals how he stepped up to defeat Alcaraz and Sinner for his record seventh ATP Finals crown.

Novak Djokovic reflects on his record seventh ATP Finals victory after defeating Yannick Sinner in Turin. Host Seb Lozier interviews Djokovic, who describes this season as one of the best of his life. Djokovic explains he had to elevate his game to beat Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner, whom he calls the world's best players next to himself. He shares that having his children courtside provided significant motivation now that they are old enough to understand the matches. Djokovic also secured the year-end world number one ranking for a record eighth time and will soon log his 400th week at the top. He reveals he felt considerable tension before his first match in Turin, needing just one win to clinch the year-end top spot. Djokovic credits his team for their contribution, emphasizing that success is always a collective effort. He ranks this season highly, noting he won three Grand Slams and half of the tournaments he entered despite a reduced schedule. When asked if his 400-week record can be broken, Djokovic cites young rivals like Alcaraz, Sinner, and Holger Rune but says records are made to be broken. The episode shifts to Sinner's perspective, with the Italian discussing his racket preferences and collaboration with Head. Sinner states he uses a simple, consistent racket and values control and feel over frequent customization. Data analyst Craig O'Shaughnessy details his work with both Djokovic's team and the Italian Tennis Federation. He credits federation head Michelangelo Dell'Adere for fully embracing analytics as the "fifth revolution" in tennis. O'Shaughnessy highlights the collaborative, family-like culture among Italian coaches as a key factor in the nation's tennis rise. He notes the federation supports coaches with resources like physios or travel budgets based on individual needs. The episode also covers the doubles final, where Rajiv Ram and Joe Salisbury won their second consecutive ATP Finals title. Salisbury says their serving and ability to seize few chances were crucial on Turin's fast courts. Their coach, David O'Hare, describes how open conversations after early losses, including at Wimbledon, helped the partnership overcome a challenging season. O'Hare states winning the US Open restored positive team dynamics and changed their season's fate. Veteran doubles player Rohan Bopanna, aged 43, discusses reaching the semifinals with partner Matt Ebden. Bopanna attributes his longevity to mental strength, focused recovery, daily ice baths, and Iyengar yoga. He recounts instinctively calling a fault on himself in the US Open final when a ball brushed his arm, a decision he credits to his upbringing. Another veteran, Édouard Roger-Vasselin, looks ahead to the 2024 Paris Olympics and shares his off-season focus on rest and multi-sport training. The episode concludes with retirement tributes to players like Jérémy Chardy and Thomaz Bellucci. Chardy, now coaching Hugo Gaston, says being around tennis daily eases his transition from playing. Bellucci explains persistent injuries led to his retirement and that he will miss competition but not the travel. The tone is celebratory and analytical, blending post-victory reactions with technical and strategic insights into the modern game. This episode is ideal for tennis fans seeking detailed analysis of the ATP Finals and behind-the-scenes perspectives on player performance and coaching. Listeners preferring only match commentary or shorter highlights might find the extensive interviews and diverse topics less engaging.

As heard by us

Djokovic's seventh Turin crown is the headline, and the interview keeps widening the frame.

Novak Djokovic's seventh Nitto ATP Finals title gives the episode its clear center of gravity, and the discussion stays locked on why the week felt larger than a single result.

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Why you'd press play

You want Djokovic's Turin win framed as the tennis story, not just the record count.

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