Novak Djokovic begins World Tour Finals defence and quest to regain global No1 spot with comeback win
Dethroned world No1 Novak Djokovic survived a scare before beating Austria’s Dominic Thiem in his opening match of the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London.
Djokovic was warned for unsportsmanlike conduct after losing the first set but won 12 of the last 14 games to post a 6-7 (10-12), 6-0, 6-2 victory. If the 29-year-old wins at least two group matches and then successfully defends his crown, he will return to the rankings summit.
“When I had the great comeback of saving six, seven set points, then I didn’t manage to win that first set, of course you’re frustrated,” said Djokovic. “On the other hand, I think I managed to compose myself and really gather all my attention to what was coming up after that.”
Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic, meanwhile, was the other Group B victor yesterday as he defeated France’s Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-4, while world No1 Andy Murray begins his campaign today against Marin Cilic.