Tennis

Novak Djokovic eanrs 25 top-10 wins and chases Rafael Nadal

on

Scoring 20 top-10 victories is an admirable feat reserved for a selected group of players. However, the list becomes much more exclusive when we see the players with 20 top-10 victories at a single Major. Like many other achievements, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are the only players on that list. Three legends did that at their most successful Major events, and it all started with Roger Federer at Wimbledon. Rafael Nadal leads the field with an incredible 32 top-10 triumphs at his beloved Roland Garros. Novak Djokovic is moving closer to him following his tenth Australian Open title, adding two more top-10 wins and standing on 25. Novak defeated Andrey Rublev and Stefanos Tsitsipas en route to his milestone Melbourne Park crown and the 22nd Major. Djokovic met Rublev in the quarter-final and scored a 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 triumph in two hours and three minutes.

It was Novak’s 26th consecutive Australian Open win, matching Andre Agassi and hoping to pass the American in the semi-final. Djokovic had the upper hand from start to finish, serving well and pressuring Rublev on the return. Novak placed his returns to Andrey’s backhand and pushed the rival’s forehand to the limits in the exchanges. The Serb made the crucial difference in the shortest range up to four strokes thanks to his initial shot and the first groundstroke. Novak denied all five break points and stole the rival’s serve five times to control the scoreboard and sail over the top. Rublev fought better in the third set, but Djokovic broke him in the early stages and emerged at the top with a hold at 5-4. Novak faced another top-10 rival in the title clash. Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas fought for the crown and the ATP throne, and the Serb remained perfect in the Melbourne Park title clashes.

Novak Djokovic has beaten 25 top-10 rivals at the Australian Open.

Novak scored a 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 victory in two hours and 56 minutes, making a strong start and prevailing in the crucial moments in sets two and three to emerge at the top. Djokovic got broken once at the start of the third set and stole the rival’s serve twice. The Serb broke at 2-1 in the opener and served well for 6-3. The Greek raised his level in the second set and had a set point on the return at 5-4. Novak saved it and claimed the set in the tie break to build a massive advantage. They exchanged breaks at the start of the third set, and Djokovic stayed calm in the tie break to seal the deal and celebrate the title. 

You must be logged in to post a comment Login