Novak Djokovic joins Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and other legends in 'Club 80'

In the first tournament after the coronavirus outbreak, Novak Djokovic claimed the Cincinnati title, a week before the US Open. World no. 1 defeated five rivals to remain undefeated in 2020 (23-0), beating Milos Raonic in the title clash to claim the 35th Masters 1000 crown. Novak has also become the fifth player in the Open era with at least 80 ATP trophies, joining Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the exclusive list. Novak had to dig deep in the semi-final against Roberto Bautista Agut, scoring a late break at 5-6 in the decider and winning the tie break 7-0 to find himself in the 51st Masters 1000 final. There, Djokovic toppled Milos Raonic 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours, securing the second Career Golden Masters. It was Novak's third title of the season after the Australian Open and Dubai, hoping for more of the same in two weeks at the US Open.

Competing in his fourth Masters 1000 final and chasing the first title, Milos gave his best to remain in touch with the better-ranked opponent, seeking the first victory over Novak in 11 encounters and finishing on the losing side after building a 2-0 lead in the final set. The Canadian had 26 winners and 25 unforced errors, beating Djokovic in the shortest exchanges but losing ground in the more advanced ones. Milos was the only player on the court in the opening set, taking 27 out of 41 points and delivering two breaks for a commanding 6-1. Novak couldn't find the rhythm, struggling physically and landing 47% of the first serve in, handing almost 60% of the points in his games to push the Canadian in front. Raonic held at 30 in the first game with a forehand winner, missing a break chance in the next one but securing a break two games later to open a 3-1 gap following a loose backhand from Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic is the fifth player in the Open era with 80 ATP titles. 

Milos landed a forehand down the line winner to confirm the advantage and build a 4-1 lead, securing another break in game six following Novak's double fault and bringing the opener home with an ace for a 6-1 after 30 minutes. Raising his level, Djokovic recovered his shots and lost only eight points in five service games in set number two, forcing Raonic to repeat those numbers if he wanted to reach a tie break. Milos wasted a game point at 2-3 and lost serve following Novak's sharp backhand. Djokovic held at love to open a 5-2 gap, securing the set after Raonic's forehand error at 5-3.

Starting all over, Milos held at love in the first game of the decider and clinched a break at 15 that sent him 2-0 up, having to serve well in the remaining games to lift the trophy. Instead of that, it was his last positive moment of the final, as Djokovic took charge to erase the deficit in no time at all. The Serb claimed 16 of the next 20 points, delivering breaks 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 his opponent to claim the trophy and remain undefeated in 2020. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3jsWN9j