Astana Open: Novak Djokovic defeats Stefanos Tsitsipas to claim the 90th career title

Novak Djokovic defeated the third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 after one hour and 15 minutes of play. It was the ninth tour-level victory in a row for the 35-year-old Serb, having won the title at Tel Aviv Open last week.

The 35-year-old Serb was at the top of his form and won the first game at love in just a little more than one minute. He upped his game while his Greek opponent served at 3-4. Novak Djokovic clinched the only break point of the first set and served out to claim the opening set with an ace.

Novak Djokovic got his second break in the fifth game of the second set after a drop shot attempt by Stefanos Tsitsipas went to the net. Soon after, he secured his victory with a backhand winner on his third match point opportunity to claim his 90th tour-level victory.

For Stefanos Tsitsipas, it was the ninth time he had to walk away empty-handed from an ATP 500 final. The victory extended the win-loss record of Novak Djokovic against Stefanos Tsitsipas to 8-2, with the Serb winning the last seven.

Novak Djokovic served one ace, won 87% of the points on the first serve and broke the serve of Stefanos Tsitsipas two times from five opportunities. He fired 15 winners to seven unforced errors and did not face any breakpoints. 

In contrast, the 24-year-old Greek served one ace, won 81% of the points on the first serve, and committed two double faults.

After the victory, Novak Djokovic said, “I dared to dream, actually,” he corrected. “I always hoped that I would be going to have a great career. Obviously, I did not know the number of finals I was going to play, the number of tournaments I was going to win, but my intention was always to reach the highest heights in our sport.”