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The 36-year-old Serb was stretched to the limit
at times with Rune producing some fireworks for the large
evening crowd in Turin's cavernous Pala Alpitour.
But after an uncharacteristically poor second-set tiebreak,
Djokovic made his experience count as he began his quest for a
record seventh title at the year-ender.
Earlier on day one, Jannik Sinner made a dream start in front of
his home crowd with a 6-4 6-4 defeat of Stefanos Tsitsipas in
their opening Green Group clash.
Djokovic will next face Sinner on Tuesday.
The Serbian's 19th successive win ended any chance of Spain's
Carlos Alcaraz overtaking him in the rankings this week.
A sensational first set had the crowd on the edge of their seats
with Djokovic edging it on the tiebreak.
But the 20-year-old Rune, who had won in two of their first four
meetings, was undeterred and cranked up the power to take the
set to another tiebreak which he raced away with.
EARLY BREAK
Djokovic broke early in the deciding set but then handed back
the advantage with a poor service game, smashing two rackets
during the changeover.
Rune wavered again though at 2-3 as he lost his focus and began
to rant towards coach Boris Becker.
This time there was no coming back as Djokovic eased home.
"It took everything. The first game he was firing shots and I
knew it would be a tough night," Djokovic, who now boasts an
18-1 record in his opening match at the tournament, said.
"He played great and I played great in moments. It was an
emotional win knowing that I would clinch the world number one."
World number four Sinner, who has qualified for the ATP Finals
first time having played as an alternate last year, delighted
the Italian fans with a superb display.
He served superbly throughout and struck his ground strokes with
venom, needing just one service break in each set to wrap up a
routine victory.
"It was a long week before coming here and I was excited to
finally step on court," the 22-year-old Sinner said. "I knew it
would be tough, but I think I answered the questions really
well.
"It's a special week, such an incredible feeling playing here
with the roof closed and the crowd."
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; editing by Clare Fallon and Ken
Ferris)
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