Novak Djokovic follows Roger Federer as second player with 60 ATP titles on hard

With 81 notable ATP titles, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have been the most accomplished hard court players in the Open era. Standing miles above all the rivals, Novak and Roger have forged the records that will take some beating in the future, dominating the Majors, Masters 1000 events and the ATP Finals for over 15 years. On Saturday, Novak Djokovic claimed the 60th ATP title on hard, becoming the second player in the Open era to achieve that, standing 11 trophies behind the Swiss rival. In Cincinnati (staged in New York), Novak counted to his 42nd big ATP title on hard, achieving all that in less than 600 wins on this surface and moving three titles clear of Roger, who has clinched 39 so far. Djokovic's first ATP title on hard came in Metz in 2006, earning numerous records on the most common surface after that and winning three titles in 2020 to earn a massive achievement and celebrate the milestone crown.

Novak defeated Ricardas Berankis, Tennys Sandgren, Jan-Lennard Struff and Roberto Bautista Agut en route to the final in Cincinnati, securing a late break in the decider against the Spaniard to set the clash against Milos Raonic. The Canadian gave his best to stay in touch with a mighty opponent, seeking the first Masters 1000 title in the fourth final. After an entertaining clash, Djokovic prevailed 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours, securing the 35th Masters 1000 title and the second Career Golden Masters. It was the 11th victory for Novak over Milos in as many encounters, overcoming a break deficit in the decider and crossing the finish line first despite a terrible opening set. Milos had a clear upper hand in the opener, taking 27 out of 41 points and delivering two breaks to seal it 6-1 in half an hour. Novak couldn't find the rhythm, struggling physically and landing 47% of the first serve in, giving away almost 60% of the points behind the initial shot to push the Canadian in front.

Novak Djokovic became second player with 60 hard ATP titles after Federer.

Raonic held in the first game with a forehand winner, missing a break chance in the next but securing a break two games later when Djokovic missed a backhand to move 3-1 up. Milos fired a forehand down the line winner to confirm the advantage and build a 4-1 lead, securing another break in game six when Novak hit a double fault and bringing the set home with an ace a few minutes later. Raising his level and starting all over, Djokovic lost eight points in five service games in set number two, forcing Raonic to match those numbers to stay in touch. Milos wasted a game point at 2-3 and that cost him dearly, losing serve for the first time following Novak's sharp backhand. Djokovic held at love to move 5-2 ahead, securing the set after Raonic's forehand error at 5-3 and gathering boost ahead of the decider.

Starting from the beginning, Milos held at love in the first game of the final set and clinched a break at 15 to open a 2-0 gap, having to serve well in the remaining games to lift the first Masters 1000 trophy. Instead of that, Djokovic took charge to erase the deficit and control the scoreboard. The Serb rattled off 16 of the next 20 points, stealing the opponent's serve in games three and five and holding at 15 for a 4-2 advantage. Serving for the title at 5-4, Djokovic saved a break chance when Raonic netted an easy forehand, forcing an error from the Canadian to move over the top and earn the 60th ATP title on hard.

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