2020 in Review: Novak Djokovic joins Rafael Nadal on 35 Masters crowns

World no. 1 Novak Djokovic joined Rafael Nadal on 35 Masters 1000 titles in August. The Serb took down Milos Raonic 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours, staying undefeated in 2020 and delivering the 11th triumph over the Canadian in as many encounters! Winning five matches in New York, Djokovic secured the second Career Golden Masters, lifting the second Cincinnati crown and adding 1000 points to his tally ahead of the US Open. Thanks to that opening set, Milos took one point more than Novak, having an early break in the decider and still finding himself on the losing side in the fourth Masters 1000 final. The Canadian had 26 winners and 25 unforced errors, having the edge in the shortest range up to four strokes but losing ground in the more advanced ones, especially in sets two and three. Milos was the only player on the court in the opening set, winning 27 out of 41 points and delivering two breaks for 6-1.

Novak couldn't find the rhythm on both serve and return, landing 47% of the first serve in and offering Milos almost 60% of the return points, enough to carry the Canadian in front in no time. Milos held at 30 in the first game with a forehand winner, wasted a break chance in the next one and forged a 2-1 advantage with a service winner. Novak netted a backhand in the fourth game to suffer a break at 15, struggling a lot in those moments and allowing Raonic to place a forehand down the line winner and move 4-1 up. The Canadian secured another break in game six following Novak's double fault, sealing the opener with an ace for 6-1 in 30 minutes.

Novak Djokovic defeated Milos Raonic in thee sets in Cincinnati final.

Recovering his game in set number two after feeling better, Djokovic lost only eight points in five service games, staying away from troubles and mounting the pressure on the other side. Staying in touch in the first part of the set, Milos wasted a game point at 2-3 and lost serve following Novak's sharp backhand.

The Serb held at love to open a 5-2 gap and closed the set after a forehand error from Raonic at 5-3. Taming his strokes nicely, Djokovic had the edge in the shortest and mid-range exchanges, gathering momentum ahead of the decider where he was the favorite. Starting all over, Raonic held at love in the first game and grabbed a break at 15 that sent him 2-0 up, ready to fight until the end and chase the first Masters 1000 crown. Still, that was his last bright moment of the final, as Djokovic took charge to erase the deficit and move in front. The Serb claimed 16 of the next 20 points, clinching breaks in games three and five and holding at 15 for a 4-2 advantage. Serving for the title in the tenth game, Djokovic faced a break chance after a brave backhand down the line winner from Raonic. Still, the Canadian netted an easy forehand to waste a massive opportunity and prolong the encounter. Novak forced an error from Milos for a match point and converted it to seal the deal and grab the 35th Masters 1000 crown. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/34JUqtH