ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic moves 1000 points clear of Rafael Nadal

In the second ATP ranking list since the coronavirus outbreak, Novak Djokovic has earned the 284th week on the ATP throne, ready to pass Pete Sampras a week after the US Open! The Serb has increased the lead over world no. 2 Rafael Nadal in Cincinnati, adding the 35th Masters 1000 title to his tally and securing the second Career Golden Masters ahead of the second Major of the season in New York. Djokovic is 1010 points ahead of the Spaniard and that lead should become even more significant, despite the fact Rafa will not lose 2000 points for the title he won a year ago. Novak lost in the fourth round in 2019 and could move almost 3000 points away from the closest rival if he lifts the 19th Major crown in two weeks. There were no changes in the top-10, with the semi-finalist Roberto Bautista Agut moving in front of Fabio Fognini in the 11th and 12th. Cincinnati finalist Milos Raonic is back inside the top-20 for the first time since August 2019, gaining 12 places as the biggest mover in the top-60.

Filip Krajinovic and Jan-Lennard Struff had solid Cincinnati campaigns, securing their spots in the top-30 and hoping for more good wins at the US Open. Djokovic is now 26 weeks behind Roger Federer's record of 310 weeks as world no. 1, having to stay at the top until the end of March to grab one of our sport's most impressive records. After a long break, Novak continued where he left in February, scoring five wins in Cincinnati despite physical issues to collect the 35th Masters 1000 title. Djokovic took down Ricardas Berankis after many troubles, raising his level against Tennys Sandgren and Jan-Lennard Struff to reach the semis. There, Roberto Bautista Agut looked good to score the fourth straight victory over Novak on hard courts, overcoming a 5-2 deficit in the decider to rattle off four consecutive games and serve for the win.

Novak Djokovic has increased the lead over Rafael Nadal on the ATP ranking list.

Staying calm, Novak grabbed a late break to level the score at 6-6 and reach a tie break that he won 7-0 to sail into the final. There, Milos Raonic chased the first victory over Novak in 11 encounters, taking the opener in style and overpowering Djokovic, who had evident physical problems. The Serb bounced back in set number two, dropping eight points in five service games and challenging Miulos to repeat that. Raonic failed to reach a tie break, suffering a break at 2-3 after wasting a game point and allowing Novak to secure the set at 5-3. The Canadian was ready to fight, earning an early break in the decider but losing ground after that to find himself 4-2 down following a double break for Novak. Serving for the title at 5-4, Novak fended off a break point and forced an error from Milos to move over the top and secure the Masters 1000 trophy and 1000 points.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3b92bLW