Novak Djokovic: 'It was a close match, right until last point. Raonic is one of..'

On Saturday, world no.1 Novak Djokovic claimed the 35th Masters 1000 title and the 80th ATP trophy overall in New York. Novak defeated Milos Raonic 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the final of the Cincinnati Masters 1000 event, staying undefeated in 2020 (23-0) and securing the second Career Golden Masters. Competing in his fourth Masters 1000 final, Milos gave his best to remain in touch with the better-ranked opponent, seeking the first win against Novak in 11 encounters and finishing on the losing side despite an early break in the decider. The Canadian had 26 winners and 25 unforced errors, standing strong in the shortest rallies up to four strokes and losing ground in the more advanced ones, especially in sets two and three. Milos won 27 out of 41 points in the first set, delivering two breaks for a swift 6-1.

Novak couldn't find the rhythm, landing 47% of the first serve in and offering Milos almost 60% of the return points to carry the Canadian in front. Raonic held at 30 in the first game with a forehand winner, wasting a break chance in the next one but fixing that two games later when Novak netted a backhand to find himself 3-1 down. Milos landed a forehand down the line winner to confirm the advantage and move 4-1 up, securing another break in game six following Novak's double fault and sealing the opener with an ace in game seven for a 6-1 after 30 minutes. Starting to feel better, Djokovic recovered his shots and lost only eight points in five service games in set number two, staying away from troubles and mounting the pressure on the other side. Milos wasted a game point at 2-3 and lost serve following Novak's sharp backhand, sending the Serb ahead and chasing the result.

Novak Djokovic claimed 35th Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati over Milos Raonic. 

Djokovic held at love to open a 5-2 gap and grabbed the set after Raonic's forehand error at 5-3. Starting all over, Raonic held at love in the first game of the decider and clinched a break at 15 that sent him 2-0 up. Still, that was his last bright moment of the final, though, as Djokovic took charge to erase the deficit and move in front. The Serb claimed 16 of the next 20 points, securing breaks in games three and five and holding at 15 for a 4-2 advantage. Serving for the title in the tenth game, Djokovic experienced a break point after a brave backhand down the line winner from Raonic, who netted an easy forehand to waste a massive opportunity. Novak forced an error from his opponent for a match point, converting it to seal the deal and grab the 35th Masters 1000 crown. 

"In the past three, four days, I struggled a little bit with my physical condition, but I managed to pull this one through. It was a very close encounter, all the way through the last shot; it was anybody's game. I want to thank my team for hanging in there. Tough match yesterday, three hours. I want to take this opportunity to say hello to all the Cincinnati fans and tennis fans around the world; we miss you guys. It feels quite strange to be in these conditions and circumstances. Still, we all hope for a better tomorrow, and you are one of the biggest reasons we play professional tennis, so hopefully, we can see you very soon. Milos played great in the first set, I made some double faults and handed two breaks to him. It's always hard playing Milos. He has one of the best serves in the game, puts so much pressure on your service games. He steps in, going more for his shots from the court's back," Novak Djokovic said.  

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/31DAkjS