ATP Finals: Novak Djokovic beats Casper Ruud to equal Roger Federer’s record

Former world number one Novak Djokovic beat Casper Ruud for a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title.

He last won an ATP Finals title in 2015 and has matched Roger Federer’s mark.

Djokovic took the biggest pay cheque in tennis, worth $4,740,300 (£3.985m), for going through the tournament unbeaten.

Having sealed the success with one of nine aces in the match, he said the seven-year wait for the title made the triumph “even sweeter”.

“[You have] got to stay focused the entire match, every single point, the momentum can switch to the other side really quickly,” added Djokovic.

RELATED :Novak Djokovic granted visa to play in Australian Open after three-year ban overturned

“The fact that I waited seven years makes this victory even sweeter.”

Ruud, 23, made two poor errors to hand the 21-time major winner the break in the first set.

Having won the opener, Djokovic then took control and broke his opponent’s serve in the fourth game of the second set.

Ruud continued to battle and forced the veteran into a 36-shot penultimate rally, but Djokovic was stronger and closed out the match with a powerful ace.

JUEST IN :ATP Finals 2022: Novak Djokovic wins opener against Stefanos Tsitsipas

It was also a successful day for Britain as Joe Salisbury won the men’s doubles event with American partner Rajeev Ram.

The US Open men’s doubles champions beat Croatian pair Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic 7-6 (7-4) 6-4.