Novak Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to win the Astana Open title and qualify for the year-end ATP Finals.
Players who have qualified for ATP Finals
Serbian Djokovic took an hour and 15 minutes to win 6-3, 6-4 against Greek Tsitsipas and clinch the 90th singles title of his career. Amongst active male players, the 21-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic is only behind Rafael Nadal (92) in terms of the most singles titles.
“I dared to dream, actually,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview. “I always hoped that I would be going to have a great career. Obviously, didn’t know the amount of finals I was going to play, the amount of tournaments I was going to win, but my intention was always to reach the highest heights in our sport.”
The Serb won in Tel Aviv a week ago, his first singles tournament since wrapping up a seventh Wimbledon crown and 21st Grand Slam title in July.
He was banned from the US Open and the entire North American hard court swing over his refusal to be vaccinated before returning for Roger Federer's farewell in the Laver Cup team event in London last month.
Djokovic also further strengthened his head-to-head win-loss record against Tsitsipas to 8-2.
For Tsitsipas, it was his ninth loss in as many finals at the ATP500 level. Nevertheless, he will return to the top five in the ATP Rankings. The 24-year-old also has 53 wins on tour this season, the most by anyone.
(with inputs from AFP)
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