ATP Finals: Novak Djokovic dismisses Daniil Medvedev in a gruelling clash

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic defeated Russia's Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-7(5), 7-6(2) in a thrilling three-set match at the ATP Finals on Friday. The match lasted for three hours and 11 minutes.

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"This match against one of the greatest rivals I have today is very important, regardless of the fact that I had qualified already. I really wanted to win." said Djokovic after his three-hour, 11-minute victory, the largest payday in tennis history.

Djokovic kept alive his chances of emerging as the undefeated champion of the tournament with a 6-3, 6-7(5), 7-6(2) win over the Russian. He handed Medvedev his third straight third-set tie-break loss in the tournament to top the red group with a 3–0 record.

Djokovic has a bigger goal to focus on, not only winning the singles championship in Turin but also equaling Swiss legend Roger Federer's record of six wins at the end of the prestigious year. His last title win came in 2015.

"Daniil and I have had some battles in the past and I knew coming into the match today that it was going to be his last match of the season and he wouldn't want to finish with a loss. I started off very well. had chances in the second , had some break points but he played very well in those decisive points. He was playing really quick. I didn't feel physically well in the third set and struggled a lot. It is a battle and it is a fight." Djokovic added.

The match was high-quality and highly physical. The groundstrokes of both players were fierce and accurate. Djokovic won the first set unhindered. But fought back in the second set, which Medvedev held on a fourth set point, forcing a decider, which Djokovic won.

"Being able to find the last drop of energy to come back into the match. At 4-5, I managed to read his serve and anticipate well and got myself in a good position. I started off very well in the tie-break. Tough three matches for him, losing 7-6 in the third in all three matches. It is not easy, but he is an amazing player. I have a lot of respect for him and what a great battle." He further added.

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Djokovic will face Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals of ATP Finals on Saturday.