ATP Finals 2023: Wounded Novak Djokovic faces alternate Hubert Hurkacz in must-win group tie

The Serb’s 19 match-winning streak was broken by Jannik Sinner. 

After a shocking defeat to Jannik Sinner in his second group stage match at the ATP Finals 2023, Novak Djokovic will look to bounce back when he meets Hubert Hurkacz on Thursday. Djokovic, a record six-time winner of the ATP Finals, sealed his place as the year-end World No. 1 for a record eighth season after winning his first group stage match. He will hope for some of that form against alternate Hurkacz at the Centre Court in Pala Alpitour, Turin on November 16.

Novak Djokovic vs Hubert Hurkacz preview 

The Serb defeated Holger Rune in three sets on Sunday to begin his title defence. However, in a battle that lasted more than three hours, World No. 4 Sinner defeated Djokovic 7-5, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (2) which ended the Serbian’s 19-match winning streak.

The 36-year-old had last lost to Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz at the Wimbledon final earlier this year prior to his defeat against Sinner. Meanwhile, Sinner’s victory marked his first-ever success against the 24-time Grand Slam champion in their four meetings.  

On the other hand, Hubert Hurkacz is coming as a replacement for Stefanos Tsitsipas as the Greek announced his sudden retirement against Holger Rune while trailing 2-1 in the first set. Hurkacz, who won the Shanghai Masters and made it to the Swiss Indoors final in Basel, is in fantastic shape right now. He also progressed to the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters.

Head-to-head records

Matches Played – 6

Novak Djokovic – 6

Hubert Hurkacz – 0

Novak Djokovic and Hubert Hurkacz have faced each other six times at the senior level. The Pole is yet to win a match against the Serb, who holds a perfect 6-0 record against the 26-year-old. The last time the two played each other was at this year’s Wimbledon fourth round where Djokovic won in fourth round. 

They also clashed at the Dubai Open quarterfinals early into the season with Djokovic winning that meeting in straight sets. That was the only time Djokovic and Hurkacz met outside the Grand Slams and ATP Masters 1000 events.

Thursday’s meeting will also be only the second time they face each other on indoor hard courts following the semi-final encounter at Paris Masters in 2021. It was the only time, Hurkacz managed to win the first set over Djokovic, although the 24-time Grand Slam champion went on to win that match.

Where and how to watch live streaming and TV broadcast of Novak Djokovic vs Hubert Hurkacz, ATP Finals 2023, group stage clash in India?

Fans from India can watch the Novak Djokovic vs Hubert Hurkacz, ATP Finals 2023 match on Sony Sports Network. Live streaming for the clash will be available on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 5 SD/HD channels. Meanwhile, fans can also catch the live streaming on the Sony LIV app and website (for subscribers only).

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Prediction

Djokovic achieved a record eighth time World No. 1 year-end ranking with his first win over Rune. He would have qualified for the semi-finals had he overcome Sinner. However, the Serbian is known as one of the best returners and would learn from his previous mistakes.

The 24-time major champion will be aiming to win his seventh title which is record-breaking, surpassing tennis legend Roger Federer’s six titles at the tournament. He also has a perfect record against his next opponent and that could be crucial in this tie. 

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