Novak Djokovic clinched a spot in the Nitto ATP Finals by lifting the Tel Aviv Open trophy on Sunday. Djokovic defeated Marin Cilic 6-3, 6-4 in a one hour and 34-minute final, during which the Serb did not get broken a single time.
Because he is a Grand Slam champion (Wimbledon), the world No. 7 only has to be in the top 20 rather than the top eight heading into the year-end championship. Djokovic is currently 15th in the race to Turin and has secured his top-20 place with Sunday’s result.
“My approach is to win tournaments wherever I am and I’m glad that I have a team of people around me that makes sure that I am in the best shape in order to be a contender to win titles,” the 35-year-old commented. “That’s why I came to Israel–was to try to win the title. (It was my) first time playing here (since a) Davis Cup tie more than 15 years ago, so it was a really amazing experience.
“I played some very good tennis, I think. I [didn’t] drop a set the entire week. I hadn’t played a tournament in three months, so it was really extra motivation for me to really do well–particularly because people have been so friendly and so supportive of me throughout the week. I’m taking some great confidence into next week, as well.”
Djokovic, who is now the only man to win a title on hard courts, clay, and grass this season, heads to Astana, Kazakhstan for an ATP 500 this week. A loaded field also includes Cilic, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, and Hubert Hurkacz.
Meanwhile, Yoshihito Nishioka and Marc-Andrea Huesler also won ATP titles this past weekend. Nishioka was the last man standing at the Korea Open, where he defeated Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 7-6(5). Huesler is a first-time champion after getting the best of Holger Rune 6-4, 7-6(8) in the Sofia Open final.
“I played a great, great match for sure,” the Swiss said. “I am completely taken aback; I am lost for words. It was a great match. I just tried to stay focused, stayed calm and I am just really happy I was able to make it…. This whole week has been a complete fairytale for me. I would have been happy to pass a couple of rounds and I’m holding the trophy here.”
good fields in both tournaments….Rublev and Rudd.