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<\/p>\nNovak Djokovic claimed his rivals have put a target on his back after his 19-match winning streak came to an end – but he wouldn\u2019t have it any other way. The Serbian superstar was beaten for the first time in four months as he lost to Jannick Sinner in the ATP Finals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Home favourite Sinner won 7-5 6-7(5) 7-6(2) in Turin to hand Djokovic his first loss since the Wimbledon final. It was also the first time Djokovic has lost at the ATP Finals since 2021.<\/p>\n
After the match, Djokovic reflected on the fact that there is extra motivation for players when they take him on. And he name-dropped Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune as the trio who particularly step up their game to cause him problems.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt seems like Holger Rune, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are extra motivated when they play you,\u201d Djokovic said. \u201cI think it’s normal, they want to get to where I got to.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis happens everywhere I play. Everyone wants my head. Jannik got it today. But I\u2019m happy with how I fought.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sinner appeared to agree with Djokovic\u2019s assessment. After the game, he admitted it was the biggest win of his career so far.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIt’s a great privilege for me to play here in Turin,\u201d he said. \u201cI expected a very tough match but with the crowd trying to help me it was easier.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI tried to put everything in the right direction and when things go like this and there is an Italian playing, the atmosphere becomes truly wonderful. I’m happy to be able to be part of this.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cPutting all the circumstances together, playing in Turin against the number one who has won 24 Slams, we can say that this is the top. Even if I had lost the match it would still have been good in my head. Because for me the goal was to stay close to him and fight.\u201d<\/p>\n
For his part, Djokovic admitted that Sinner was a deserving winner. Dissecting the match as a whole, the Serbian said: \u201cLast time we were in the semifinals at Wimbledon, I won in three sets but it was hard fought. A few points made the difference.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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