2020 in Review: Novak Djokovic downs Stefanos Tsitsipas for first Dubai title since..

World no. 1 Novak Djokovic claimed the fifth Dubai title and the first since 2013, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 in an hour and 17 minutes. It was the third victory for the Serb over the Greek in five encounters, securing the 21st straight victory and the 79th ATP crown, the second of the season after the Australian Open. Novak got broken once and scored three breaks from as many chances, dominating the rival's second serve to seal the deal in straight sets, motivated to give his best after fending off those match points against Monfils in the semis. Novak forced Stefanos' error in the first point of the match, missing a smash but securing the game after a deuce following a forehand mistake from the Greek. The youngster fired three winners in the second game to get his name on the scoreboard and make a strong start, a much-needed factor in such big matches against the rivals from the top. Djokovic closed the third game thanks to a forehand error from Stefanos, who locked the next game with a forehand winner and an ace down the T line.

The fifth game saw another deuce on Novak's serve after a forehand mistake, spraying another to offer Stefanos the first break chance. Djokovic repelled it with a well-constructed attack and brought the game home thanks to a forehand error from the rival. Taming his shots nicely, the last year's finalist grabbed the sixth game after a service winner and the one from the backhand wing, passing the set's first part without any troubles. Novak secured the seventh game with a service winner and created the first break chance in the next one when Tsitsipas sent a backhand wide, passing the youngster with a brilliant backhand crosscourt winner to seize the break and move 5-3 in front. Serving for the set, the Serb landed a backhand winner to secure the opener in 39 minutes, running a set away from the fifth Dubai crown.

Novak Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas to lift Dubai title.

From 30-0 down, Stefanos grabbed four straight points to close the second set's first game with a service winner and avoid an early setback, with Djokovic leveling the score at 1-1 thanks to a quick hold at love, still using momentum from the opener. An unreturned serve delivered a hold at love for the Greek in game three, looking good and hoping for some return opportunities. Instead of that, Novak held at 15 to stay on the positive side and hit a smash winner in the next game to open a 3-2 lead with a break at 15. Ready to fight until the end, Stefanos placed a perfect drop shot to create two break points a few minutes later, converting the first to pull the break back and lock the result at 3-3.

The Greek held at 30 with a service winner to go back in front, leading 4-3 and gaining a boost ahead of the upcoming games. Staying calm, Djokovic held at love to send the pressure to the other side of the court, seeking another break that would propel him over the top. That happened in game nine when he stole Stefanos' serve at 15, gaining a 5-4 advantage and serving for the title. Novak held at love in game ten with a backhand down the line winner to seal the deal and celebrate in the desert for the first time in seven years.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/38BqilC