Djokovic defeated Tsitsipas 6-4, 7-6 in the decisive match to go to the next round
(Picture - ATP Tour Twitter)
Former World No.1 and 21 times Grand Slams champion, Novak Djokovic, defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas to eliminate the Greek’s prospects of finishing the year as the No. 1 ATP Ranking. This victory marked the beginning of his quest for a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals victory for the Serb.
Djokovic defeated Tsitsipas 6-4, 7-6 in the decisive match to go to the next round (4). The Serbian quickly learned his limitations in Turin, breaking early to gain the initiative. The seventh seed manoeuvred Tsitsipas about the court with his pinpoint groundstrokes and a variety of scintillating passing shots, and after an hour and 37 minutes, he prevailed.
“The first game was very important to break his serve. Starting with a break of serve is obviously a huge boost in confidence and a relief as well because we both knew it would be a tight match,” ATP.com quoted Djokovic as saying.
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In head2head clashes, the Serb now leads over Tsitsipas 10-2 in their ATP series, having overcome the 24-year-old en route to the crown in Astana and the final in Paris in the past month.
“We have played some really close matches in the past few tournaments against each other. It was very important to start off well. I held my serve really well throughout the match. I played a great tie-break, very solid all the way through,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic was at his devastating best on his forehand, scoring a forehand rating of 9.6.
Novak will also play Andrey Rublev in the round-robin stage, with Rublev defeating one time US Open Grand Slam champion Daniil Medvedev earlier on Monday.
(inputs from ANI)
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