Quest for vindication: A year vastly like none other for Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas

Novak Djokovic won the match against Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 7-6 (4) in the first round-robin match at the ATP Finals in Turin. It was the final chapter of a year that was perplexing for both players. DjOKovic had finished one of the greatest years in tennis history, but Tsitipa reached his first Grand Slam final. They are both looking for vindication at this tournament. They both want to make an emphatic statement in 2022. The year started with Djoka's refusal to be vaccinated and being denied entry into the Australian Open.

Tsitsipas has won five matches Down Under and two in the last three majors in 2022. Tsitsipsi has been cited for a coaching violation in Australia. Djokovic is a surefire favorite to win anywhere except at Roland Garros. Djoksovic will turn 36 next May. Ken Rosewall was the oldest player to ever win a singles major at the age of 37. He won the 1972 Australian Open title. It's easy to imagine Djocovic earning more majors through the end of his 30s and possibly in his 40s.

Tsitsipas is in Turin for the year-end tournament. He would have finished 2022 ranked No. 1 if he won all five of his matches. Tsitsipsi is not in a hurry to reach that spot. He is more interested in the longer run. Djokovic and Tsitipa are both appealing to the crowd. They both tried to rally crowd support. The good news for tennis is that there are no election officials.