Former World number one Novak Djokovic defeated Casper Ruud to claim a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title in Turin.
The Serbian beat his Norwegian counterpart 7-5 6-3 on Sunday in the season-ending showcase to match Roger Federer's feat at this tournament.
It was the 35-year-old’s first triumph at the ATP Finals since 2015. His record-equalling title caps off a year where he was forced to miss two majors because of his refusal to take a Covid-19 vaccination.
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Djokovic's unbeaten run in the ATP Finals saw him pocket the biggest pay cheque in tennis, worth £3.985 million.
"Seven years has been a long time,'' Djokovic said. "At the same time, the fact that I waited seven years makes this victory even sweeter and even bigger.
"A lot of nerves ... I missed a couple of forehands in the last game when I was serving. I had nerves, but I am really grateful to be able to serve the match out. I had a big ace to close out.
"It feels deeply satisfying and, at the same time, a huge relief because of the circumstances that I have been through this year, situations earlier this year, of course, with Australia.
"That had an effect obviously on my start of the year. For the first several months, I was trying to find that balance game-wise but also mentally in order to be able to come back to the court and find that tennis level that I need.
"I don't know what the future holds but I know that what I hold in my mind is a huge hunger still to win trophies."
For Ruud, this defeat was his fourth in a major championship match in 2022, having also lost in finals at the Miami Masters, the French Open and the US Open. The 23-year-old has failed to win a single set against Djokovic after four meetings.
"In the end it's been disappointing to end up losing these big finals,'' Ruud said. "Overall, if you gave me an offer to end the year at No. 3, play the finals that I've played, at the 1st of January this year I would probably sign the contract right away. No doubt about it.
"It gives me motivation and a hunger to maybe next time -- if I ever get to another final like this -- I hope I can learn from what I have done this year and not been able to do and see how it goes.''
