Djokovic clinches Astana Open title with win over Tsitsipas

It was the ninth consecutive match victory for the fourth seed Djokovic, who won the title a week ago in Tel Aviv. This was the 90th tour-level title for the 35-year-old and it required only 75 minutes. For the third-seeded Greek Tsitsipas, it was the ninth time he played in an ATP 500 final -- and the ninth time he came up empty. Djokovic now leads their ATP head-to-head series 8-2 and has won the past seven.

World No.7 Novak Djokovic clinched the Astana Open men's singles title after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 in the final, here on Sunday.

It was the ninth consecutive match victory for the fourth seed Djokovic, who won the title a week ago in Tel Aviv. This was the 90th tour-level title for the 35-year-old and it required only 75 minutes.

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For the third-seeded Greek Tsitsipas, it was the ninth time he played in an ATP 500 final -- and the ninth time he came up empty. Djokovic now leads their ATP head-to-head series 8-2 and has won the past seven.

As a result of the win, the Serbian star secures himself a Top 20 spot in the ATP Live Race to Turin after the 2022 Paris Masters, meaning the reigning Wimbledon champion qualifies for the 2022 ATP Finals as a current-year Grand Slam winner. It was the 90th career tour-level title for Djokovic and the fourth of 2022.

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When the on-court interviewer observed that Djokovic probably never dreamed of 90 ATP Tour titles, Djokovic shook his head.

"I dared to dream, actually. I always hoped that I would be going to have a great career," he corrected.

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"Obviously, I didn't know the number of finals I was going to play, the amount of tournaments I was going to win, but my intention was always to reach the highest heights in our sport," he added.

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Tsitsipas will return to the Top 5 in the ATP Rankings on Monday and the 24-year-old Greek still leads all ATP Tour players with 53 match wins.

Djokovic began the match with an extraordinary level of play, winning the first game at love in a little over one minute. With Tsitsipas serving at 3-4, the 21-time major champion turned up the heat.

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Employing the drop shot that undid Daniil Medvedev in a semi-final tie-break, Djokovic went on to create the only break point of the first set. After Tsitsipas over-hit a forehand, Djokovic served it out, finishing a flourish - an ace outside.

Djokovic scored another break in the fifth game of the second set when a frustrated Tsitsipas attempted a drop shot that fell into the net. Later, Djokovic converted his third match point with a backhand winner into an open court.

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"I'm just very grateful and blessed to be able to play this well at this stage of my life," said Djokovic.

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"You know, 35 is not 25. But I think the experience, probably, in these kinds of matches and big occasions helps as well to approach mentally in the right way," he added.
 

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