A flawless Jannik Sinner defeated his rival Carlos Alcaraz to win the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia, and take home the overall $6m prize in the biggest single payday of the tennis season.
Although the Six Kings Slam is an exhibition and won’t count towards rankings or head-to-head records, Sinner was out for revenge after his heavy defeat in the US Open final last month.
The Italian’s victory over Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final remains his only win against the Spaniard in their last eight official meetings, but his improved serve sent a serious statement to the World No 1 as he recorded a dominant 6-2 6-4 victory.
Earlier, Novak Djokovic retired from his third-place match against Taylor Fritz after losing a 75-minute first set to the American, with the rest of the 38-year-old’s season now in doubt as a result of his latest physical issue.
Read More
Six Kings Slam 2025 - Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner
- Jannik Sinner defeats Carlos Alcaraz at Six Kings Slam, taking home an overall $6m
- Novak Djokovic retires from third-place match against Taylor Fritz after losing first set
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner on their 'special friendship'
08:33
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz said: “We have a special friendship off the court, which is great. Sometimes people think when two tennis players are competing for the great things, are giving their best on the court, they cannot have a great friendship. I think we show it's possible as well.”
Sinner said: “I lost also many times against Carlos, it’s a huge pleasure and an honour to share the court with him, but at the same time, you want to get better as a tennis player. It's nice to have a great rivalry and also, more importantly, a great friendship off the court, and we have a very, very special, special friendship.”
The moment between Sinner and Alcaraz at the net is worth watching. A big hug, an arm around the other. Rivals yes, but plenty of respect too as ever.
JANNIK SINNER DEFEATS CARLOS ALCARAZ IN STRAIGHT SETS #AlcarazSinner pic.twitter.com/sLJAceaoHf
— Netflix (@netflix) October 18, 2025
Jannik Sinner praises Carlos Alcaraz for 'incredible year'
06:33
,
Jamie Braidwood
The victory sets up Jannik Sinner to make a push towards the year-end ATP Finals, where he may also benefit from the altitude and indoor conditions in front of his home fans in Turin.
“It's always nice to share the court with Carlos,” Sinner said. “You’ve done an incredible job throughout the whole season, working very hard, winning incredible titles, title after title. So thanks actually for leaving one also for me at the moment!”
Alcaraz has won eight titles on the ATP Tour this season, to Sinner’s three, and the Italian conceded that it would be “impossible” to catch him in the race for year-end No 1.
Carlos Alcaraz on Jannik Sinner: 'He was playing ping pong'
04:33
,
Jamie Braidwood
While Sinner’s win over Alcaraz won’t count towards the rankings race or their head-to-head record, the Italian had just one victory over the six-time grand slam champion in his previous eight attempts. This was his second win over Alcaraz in the final of the Six Kings Slam, however, adding to last year’s triumph.
“When Jannik is playing at this level, it’s always difficult. I think everybody could enjoy his tennis today,” Alcaraz said. “It was really high level of tennis. Sometimes it seems like he's playing ping pong. It's not funny, to be honest, being at the other side of the net.
“But I always said that. When he plays such great tennis, it gives me motivation just to then go to the practice court, give him 100 per cent, try to be better. Sometimes he's annoying, but at the same time he gives me extra motivation.”
Carlos Alcaraz impressed by Jannik Sinner's improved serve
02:33
,
Jamie Braidwood
“He played great today. He didn't let me get a good rhythm,” Alcaraz said after Sinner won over 80 per cent of his service points.
“He was improving a lot, the serve, and I could feel it. No break points today, which for me is something weird. I’m used to at least one break point in the match. But when he's serving really good it's really difficult. I couldn't find a solution today, so I think he deserved it.”
Sinner also won over 80 per cent of his service points in his 6-2 6-4 win over Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, and said after that match: “We worked a lot in the past month, we're serving hours and hours.”
Six Kings Slam prize money
00:33
,
Jamie Braidwood
The six-player event took place over three days, live on Netflix, with every player earning a $1.5m appearance fee and a massive $4.5m going to the overall winner.
With a total prize of $6m, the Six Kings Slam prize money is $1m more than what Alcaraz won for defeating Sinner in last month’s US Open final, itself the biggest prize fund of the four grand slam events this season.
- Six Kings Slam champion: $6m (£4.5m)
- 2025 US Open champion: $5m (£3.74m)
- 2025 Wimbledon champion: $4m (£3m)
- 2025 French Open champion: $2.9m (£2.17m)
- 2025 Australian Open champion: $2.3m (£1.75m)
Carlos Alcaraz details Jannik Sinner’s key change in Six Kings Slam thrashing: ‘I could feel it’
23:09
,
Jamie Braidwood
Carlos Alcaraz said he felt “under pressure” as a result of Jannik Sinner’s improved serve as the Italian responded to his defeat in the US Open final with a 6-2 6-4 destruction of the World No 1 to win the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
After working on his service motion following his defeat to Alcaraz in New York last month, Sinner won 80 per cent of his service points and did not allow his rival a single break point as he cruised to a dominant win in just 73 minutes to win the $6m total prize for a second time.
The 24-year-old Sinner admitted after his US Open final defeat that he had to make “changes” to his game and, while the Riyadh altitude gave Sinner’s serve some extra pop, Alcaraz said he could “feel” how his shot had developed since their last meeting.
Novak Djokovic explains retirement after picking up injury in ‘brutal’ Six Kings Slam match
22:23
,
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic apologised to the crowd after retiring from his Six Kings Slam third-place match against Taylor Fritz due to an injury.
The 38-year-old lost a physical, 75-minute first set against Fritz and shook hands with the American after he won the tiebreak 7-4.
Djokovic appeared to pull up with a left leg injury during the match and decided he could not continue playing in slow conditions.
'I could feel it': Carlos Alcaraz details improvement in Jannik Sinner
21:50
,
Jamie Braidwood
Carlos Alcaraz has explained how he felt under “extra pressure” because of Jannik Sinner’s improved serving in their Six Kings Slam final. Alcaraz did not have a single break point in the match, a feeling he described as “weird”.
“He played great today. He didn't let me get a good rhythm. He was improving a lot the serve, and I could feel it. No break points today, which for me is something weird, that I’m used to at least one break point in the match, but you know, when he's serving really good it's really difficult to play. I couldn't find a solution today, so I think he deserved it.
“It’s just an extra pressure, especially when it’s Jannik Sinner, probably one of the best, if not the best, that we have on tour right now. When he's serving that way, when he is returning that way, it's really difficult to stay calm. You feel the pressure.”
What's next for Jannik Sinner?
21:44
,
Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner is signed up for the Vienna Open, which gets underway in a couple of days. Will he play in the Paris Masters too, before the ATP Finals - probably his most important remaining tournament as he returns to Italy?
Sinner will also look to lead Italy’s defence of the Davis Cup title, where his country could face Carlos Alcaraz’s Spain in the final after they landed on opposite sides of the draw.
What's next for Carlos Alcaraz?
21:33
,
Jamie Braidwood
The World No 1 is targeting titles at the Paris Masters and ATP Tour Finals, two tournaments he has yet to win.
Alcaraz is looking pretty fresh heading into the final weeks of the season - which hasn’t always been the case.
He always has the year-end ranking pretty much wrapped up. Can he add a ninth, or tenth, title of the season?
Jannik Sinner: 'We have a special friendship'
21:19
,
Jamie Braidwood
“It’s great to have rivals. We have a great rivalry. But we also have a special friendship.
First of all, it's always nice to share the court with Carlos. You’ve done an incredible job throughout the whole season, working very hard, winning incredible titles, titles after title.
“So thanks actually for leaving one also for me at the moment! But no, we come here because we love to play here, we love the atmosphere. Thanks for coming, for sharing.
“Carlos, because especially this season we played many, many times, I lost also many times against Carlos, it’s a huge pleasure and and and an honour to share the court with him, but at the same time, you want to get better as a tennis player.
“It's nice to have a great rivalry and also, more importantly, a great friendship off the court, and we have a very, very special, special friendship, and it's very nice.”
Carlos Alcaraz: 'Today he was too good'
21:16
,
Jamie Braidwood
“When Jannik is playing at this level, it’s always difficult. I think everybody could enjoy his tennis today. It was really high level of tennis.
“Sometimes it seems like he's playing ping pong, so it's not funny, to be honest, being at the other side of the net but I always said that.
“When he plays such great tennis, it gives me motivation just to then go to the practice court, give him 100 per cent, try to be better. Sometimes he's annoying, but at the same time he gives me extra motivations.
“We have a special friendship off the court, which is great. Sometimes people think when two tennis players are competing for the great things, are giving their best on the court, they cannot have a great friendship. I think we show it's possible as well.”
Jannik Sinner wins $6m total prize for Six Kings Slam
21:14
,
Jamie Braidwood
Sinner is presented with the golden racket for the winning the Six Kings Slam.
Oh, and he has just won $6m for his week, more than Alcaraz took home for the US Open.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz share embrace at the net
21:11
,
Jamie Braidwood
The moment between Sinner and Alcaraz at the net is worth watching. A big hug, an arm around the other. Rivals yes, but plenty of respect too as ever.
JANNIK SINNER DEFEATS CARLOS ALCARAZ IN STRAIGHT SETS #AlcarazSinner pic.twitter.com/sLJAceaoHf
— Netflix (@netflix) October 18, 2025
Will Jannik Sinner be favourite ahead of ATP Finals?
21:09
,
Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner had just one win from his previous eight official matches against Carlos Alcaraz but this 6-2 6-4 win is a little reminder that their head-to-head is not as one-sided as it may sometimes appear. He needed this.
And is Sinner now the favourite as we enter the run going into the ATP Finals? The defending ATP Finals champion will be back in front of his home fans in Turin, with similar conditions at altitude than Riyadh.
Jannik Sinner dominates Carlos Alcaraz in 73 minutes
21:05
,
Jamie Braidwood
Wow. What a serving performance that was from Jannik Sinner. That’s the biggest difference from the US Open final.
He won over 80 per cent of his service points and did not face a single break point. He was brilliant on the returns too, super aggressive, and also looked to mix it up at times.
Sinner and Alcaraz are congratulating each other’s teams - but the Australian Open and Wimbledon champion has shown he’s found another level since New York last month.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Jannik Sinner 6-2 6-4 Carlos Alcaraz
21:03
,
Jamie Braidwood
A flawless Jannik Sinner defeated his rival Carlos Alcaraz to win the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia, and take home the overall $6m prize in the biggest single payday of the tennis season.
Although the Six Kings Slam is an exhibition and won’t count towards rankings or head-to-head records, Sinner was out for revenge after his heavy defeat in the US Open final last month.
The Italian’s victory over Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final remains his only win against the Spaniard in their last eight official meetings, but his improved serve sent a serious statement to the World No 1 as he recorded a dominant 6-2 6-4 victory.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Jannik Sinner 6-2 6-4 Carlos Alcaraz
21:02
,
Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner has done it! A dominant performance to beat Carlos Alcaraz and win the Six Kings Slam for the second time.
Clinical. Emphatic. Revenge. Sinner and Alcaraz laugh at the net and there are some warm words between them - but wow the Italian has sent out a statement here.
Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 4-5 Jannik Sinner*
21:01
,
Jamie Braidwood
ACE FROM SINNER! He’s one point away. 40-0.
Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 4-5 Jannik Sinner*
21:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
Sinner forces Alcaraz out wide and comes to the net to swat away the volley. A perfect start for him.
Alcaraz is dropping soooo deep to return serve and hangs up a looping backhand that floats out. 30-0.
Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 4-5 Jannik Sinner*
20:58
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz has escaped from deeper holes than this but the Spaniard takes the first step in holding to love and throwing it back to Sinner. The Italian has not faced a single break point yet, Alcaraz desperately needs to find something else.
*Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 3-5 Jannik Sinner
20:56
,
Jamie Braidwood
Sinner backs up the break. He starts the game with two more massive serves. Alcaraz eeks out a forehand error. Sinner moves a game away.
BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 3-4 Jannik Sinner*
20:52
,
Jamie Braidwood
Sinner flashes two big return deep to the baseline to force Alcaraz to look at 15-30.
Sinner stays in the point and powers a huge backhand down the line to catch Alcaraz off.
Alcaraz comes into the net but can’t do enough, Sinner makes the pass to bring up 15-40.
Alcaraz goes aggressive to fend off Sinner’s punishing forehand on the first break point. Bold.
SENSATIONAL FROM SINNER! From the backhand return down the line, to the gorgeous pick-up volley at the net, Sinner converts a stunning break of serve to edge ahead.
Advantage to the Italian.
*Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 3-3 Jannik Sinner
20:47
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz goes big on the first return but puts it long. Sinner then jumps into the backhand crosscourt to send Alcaraz spinning out wide.
Sinner misses with the forehand-line and Alcaraz then produces a bomb on the forehand crosscourt, getting himself back to 30-30.
Alcaraz is standing way back on the returns and Sinner blasts through on the forehand. Alcaraz’s hacked return drifts long.
Sinner holds - but that was better from Alcaraz, it felt like Sinner faced some pressure.
Alcaraz holds! Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 3-2 Jannik Sinner*
20:43
,
Jamie Braidwood
Incredible again from Sinner. He finds a way to quell the Alcaraz drop shot, responding with unreal accuracy with soft shots to the corners.
But Alcaraz saves a fourth break point with another ace! That’s his third on break point in this game. And finally Alcaraz closes it out! He lands the wide serve and punishes the forehand behind Sinner.
Alcaraz roars. That was a battle and he knows it.
*Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 2-2 Jannik Sinner
20:40
,
Jamie Braidwood
Woah that’s good from Sinner. He stretches to return the serve and then reads Alcaraz to reach the backhand, sending it crosscourt for a winner.
Alcaraz fires another ace to save break point and the Spaniard goes bold again to force the forehand miss from Sinner into the net.
Alcaraz makes a double-fault on game point, but Sinner goes long on the forehand. This time it’s Alcaraz who misses a simple one!
Deuce.
*Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 2-2 Jannik Sinner
20:35
,
Jamie Braidwood
Sinner steals the opening point from Alcaraz as he scrambles to make the backhand lob over Alcaraz.
Sinner then pulls out the backhand down the line winner, catching the edge of the line on the return.
Down 0-30, Alcaraz goes for the drop shot and pulls off a beauty. But Sinner will get two more break points as Alcaraz drags a forehand wide.
15-40. Alcaraz fires a huge ace to save the first. How he needs another.
Sinner looked to be on top, but pushed wide Sinner blasts wide on the forehand!
Deuce.
*Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 2-2 Jannik Sinner
20:31
,
Jamie Braidwood
Sinner slams the smash over the net after a brilliant rally that stretched the court. It’s fun, but Sinner remains on top. He gets to 40-0 again, slams the first serve out wide, and then puts the forehand into the opposite corner. So good.
Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 2-1 Jannik Sinner*
20:28
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz is growing in confidence after a shaky start but pulls out a lovely drop shot to get Sinner chasing it down. The Italian reaches it but Alcaraz is there to pop the volley into the open court.
*Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 1-1 Jannik Sinner
20:25
,
Jamie Braidwood
Masterful redirection from Sinner to punish the forehand behind Alcaraz. The serving clinic from Sinner continues as he thunders another big serve to take the game.
Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 1-0 Jannik Sinner*
20:22
,
Jamie Braidwood
A much better opening game from Alcaraz, who is looking to hit back. Sinner made a couple of misses on returns but Alcaraz then steps in to thunder the serve-forehand. Alcaraz then drags Sinner wide and puts the forehand into the open court, inside-in.
FIRST SET! *Carlos Alcaraz 2-6 Jannik Sinner
20:17
,
Jamie Braidwood
On the opening point, Alcaraz misses on the second-serve return - with the Spaniard looking to be as aggressive as possible. Alcaraz misses the second return, too.
Sinner has sent a message to his opponent - and a massive wide serve brings up two set points for the Italian. Alcaraz makes his third return miss of the game and Sinner is halfway there.
A phenomenal first set from Sinner. He is in charge.
Carlos Alcaraz 2-5 Jannik Sinner*
20:13
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz pulls out a drop shot from the Gods to turn a Sinner forehand into a delicate feather touch over the net. It has to be that good.
Sinner then launches a forehand return bomb crosscourt that scorches past Alcaraz. Alcaraz moves into the net and Sinner nets on the return. A hold for Alcaraz.
*Carlos Alcaraz 1-5 Jannik Sinner
20:10
,
Jamie Braidwood
Sinner is winning many free points behind his serve, which is a big difference from the US Open final where he serve at just over 50 per cent.
Back-to-back first serves get Sinner from 15-15 to 40-15. Then Sinner lands a 216kmph serve down the middle and powers the smash over Alcaraz’s header.
Wow. 1-5 in 19 minutes.
BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 1-4 Jannik Sinner*
20:05
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz is looking uncomfortable, having to face relentless blows from Sinner. The Spaniard nets on the backhand down the line.
On 15-30, Sinner makes a brilliant scrambling return, to send back the Alcaraz forehand with even more power. It’s a great get, and then Alcaraz misses wide.
Two break points: Alcaraz nets on the backhand! Wow, Alcaraz is being taken apart by Sinner!
*Carlos Alcaraz 1-3 Jannik Sinner
20:03
,
Jamie Braidwood
Sinner and Alcaraz exchange sliced backhands and then Sinner produces the whipped forehand winner. Alcaraz pushes long on the second-serve return, with Sinner finding a big kick.
And that’s emphatic from Sinner. Big serve, forehand strike out wide. Love-hold.
Carlos Alcaraz 1-2 Jannik Sinner*
19:59
,
Jamie Braidwood
What a point! Ah this is great stuff from Sinner and Alcaraz already. Sinner reacts to the drop shot, and then out-foxes Alcaraz at the net, flicking the angled pass. Both players flash smiles at each other from across the net.
Sinner unloads on a massive return on 30-15 but then fires wide on the backhand. The Italian is taking an aggressive approach early on, though.
And Alcaraz gets on the board with an accurate wide serve. Sinner fires out on the return.
*Carlos Alcaraz 0-2 Jannik Sinner
19:56
,
Jamie Braidwood
Sinner faces 0-15 but produces a massive serve out wide, a bomb that Alcaraz can’t react to.
Sinner with another backhand down the line, this time for a winner. Alcaraz though meets fire with fire and ramps it up on his forehand, with Sinner netting on the backhand.
30-30. Alcaraz puts the return out after Sinner finds his spot on the wide serve. 40-30. Sinner fires an ace down the middle.
BREAK! Carlos Alcaraz 0-1 Jannik Sinner*
19:52
,
Jamie Braidwood
A quick start from Sinner as he fires two deep returns off the Alcaraz serve and forces back-to-back misses on the forehand.
Sinner then crunches an incredible backhand down the line, pushing Alcaraz into his forehand corner. Alcaraz hits the net on the forehand down the line.
0-40, off the gun. Too good from Alcaraz on the first. Forehand inside-in, winner. Alcaraz double-faults on the second and Sinner makes the perfect start.
*Carlos Alcaraz 0-0 Jannik Sinner
19:49
,
Jamie Braidwood
Time to begin. Alcaraz will serve first!
*denotes next server
Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner
19:44
,
Jamie Braidwood
Here we go: after battles in Rome, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and New York, the two best players in the world compete for the Six Kings Slam title and a $6m overall prize.
They’ve won the last eight grand slams between them and any between between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will draw a crowd.
A month on from their US Open final, which completed a trilogy of grand slam finals over the summer, Alcaraz and Sinner meet again.
Novak Djokovic explains retirement after picking up injury in Six Kings Slam match
19:37
,
Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic apologised to the crowd after retiring from his Six Kings Slam third-place match against Taylor Fritz due to an injury.
The 38-year-old lost a physical, 75-minute first set against Fritz and shook hands with the American after he won the tiebreak 7-5.
Djokovic appeared to pull up with a left leg injury during the match and decided he could not continue playing in slow conditions.
Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner
19:35
,
Jamie Braidwood
Alcaraz won 12 of his 13 drop shots against Taylor Fritz in his semi-final on Thursday, and was electric.
Sinner dropped just eight points on serve against Novak Djokovic, and looked unstoppable.
It could define this Six Kings Slam final, with the conditions of Riyadh and the court offering a different dimension to their latest meeting.
Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner
19:18
,
Jamie Braidwood
The grand final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will be up next!
Novak Djokovic picks up injury during third-place match
19:17
,
Jamie Braidwood
It looks like Djokovic pulled up with a right-leg injury during the match. He battled through a lot of long games and shook hands with Fritz as soon as he lost the first set, having to win in at least three sets to win the match.
Taylor Fritz records first win over Novak Djokovic
19:12
,
Jamie Braidwood
After 11 defeats, Taylor Fritz records his first ever win over Novak Djokovic. It’s not the way he wanted to do it, in a first-set retirement, and it won’t count towards the official head-to-head. But that was a proper battle and can offer the American a lot of encouragement.
“That was really physical, you know what happens is you get into those really long games and the balls start to just wear out and get so huge to the point where it's so hard to get a free point on the serve, hit a winner.
“Playing the long points, playing the long games, makes everything just slower, longer. It’s such a tough set and at the end of it, like I said, conditions just got so slow we're just playing. Long rallies, back to back to back, just having to fight for every point, so it's, it's brutal.”
Novak Djokovic explains retirement
19:10
,
Jamie Braidwood
“Not great, I want to apologise to everybody. Sorry guys. Sorry you couldn’t see the second set. One of the longest sets I’ve played.
“Credit to Taylor. We had some incredible games towards the end of that set, and it's one of the longest sets I've ever played, to be honest.
“It was an amazing visit to Riyadh for me once again. I want to thank everybody for really welcoming me. Hopefully if I keep on going next year, I'll be back if you guys want me here.
“Now it's rest and really addressing some of the issues I have with my body, and then hopefully playing the last couple of tournaments of the season, let's see.”
NOVAK DJOKOVIC RETIRES FROM THE MATCH!
19:09
,
Jamie Braidwood
WOW! Djokovic shakes hands with Fritz and the match is over! Djokovic holds his hands up to the crowd! But after a 75-minute first set, he concedes the match!
FIRST SET! Novak Djokovic 6-7 Taylor Fritz
19:08
,
Jamie Braidwood
Fritz leans into the backhand down the line and pulls out a super winner, bringing up his first set point.
Djokovic catches the line but Fritz replies with a massive forehand, Djokovic goes long!!
Fritz wins the set on the tiebreak!
Tiebreak! Novak Djokovic 6-6 Taylor Fritz
19:07
,
Jamie Braidwood
Awesome from Djokovic! He rips the forehand return down the line off the Fritz second-serve to get into the changeover at 3-3.
Fritz wins a scrambling point by covering Djokovic at the net. Djokovic lands a serve out wide that Fritz can’t return.
But that’s super from Fritz! He goes from power and depth to a delicate drop shot - he leads 5-4 with two serves to come, the set in his grasp.
Tiebreak! Novak Djokovic 6-6 Taylor Fritz
19:03
,
Jamie Braidwood
Fritz scorches back-to-back winners after a misguided drop shot on the opening point. And Fritz then comes up with a stunner, a dipping backhand as Djokovic came into the net. Fritz goes up 3-2 with two serves to come.
Tiebreak! Novak Djokovic 6-6 Taylor Fritz
19:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
We’ve had 14 break points in this set. Nine for Fritz, five for Djokovic.
But all of them have been saved. Fritz serves it out to get to the tiebreak - and he has never won a tiebreak against Djokovic in six attempts.
Djokovic holds! Novak Djokovic 6-5 Taylor Fritz*
18:56
,
Jamie Braidwood
“Nooo” Fritz howls as the forehand goes out. Djokovic on game point, is not far away from the ace out wide. And finally Fritz puts the defensive shot long after an attack from Djokovic, who raises his arms in celebration!
A 16-minute service hold and Djokovic is attempting to whip the crowd up into a frenzy by directing the noise. Heck of a game.
*Novak Djokovic 5-5 Taylor Fritz
18:54
,
Jamie Braidwood
Good grief. Djokovic howls after netting on the forehand down the line, spurning the chance to get the hold. And he takes a long time to serve again.
But he steadies to find an ace out wide. Wow, this game! Fritz brings it again to land blow after blow, finally putting the forehand winner away to leave Djokovic panting.
Djokovic, surely this time, will get the hold - he has Fritz on the run but can’t finish off the point with the smash! A let off for Fritz.
And soon it’s break point again: Djokovic moves in and Fritz finds the forehand winner down the line. But Fritz puts the backhand long...
*Novak Djokovic 5-5 Taylor Fritz
18:49
,
Jamie Braidwood
Fritz brings up a third break point with another excellent attack but Djokovic is equal to it to save, landing the forehand winner. Both players have brought their best down pressure points.
Again, Djokovic shanks a forehand wide - Djokovic saves with the ace that catches the extreme edge of the line down the middle. Djokovic sets up game point but Fritz lands a couple of big forehand blows to get to deuce.
Djokovic saves another break point with a backhand winner down the line.
*Novak Djokovic 5-5 Taylor Fritz
18:44
,
Jamie Braidwood
Djokovic faces a tricky spot at 15-30 but finds a lovely serve and forehand winner combo.
Fritz, though, finds some magic as he gets up to a short ball from Djokovic and pushes the backhand onto the outside edge of the line.
Set point to Fritz, and it was right there for him! In control of the point, Fritz has to find the pass down the line, but nets with Djokovic scrambling to cover crosscourt.
Djokovic makes an error on going for a drop shot - finding the net - but saves his second break point with a wonderful backhand down the line.
Fritz holds! *Novak Djokovic 5-5 Taylor Fritz
18:39
,
Jamie Braidwood
Fritz has two game points on ad, but can’t take either. Instead, on deuce, Djokovic wins an epic exchange as Fritz goes long. A fourth set point, but Fritz serves an ace, followed by another down the middle!
And at last, Fritz scraps and battles his way through to hold, with a final ace down the middle rescuing the American from a scrappy game. He remains alive at 5-5.
