Djokovic wins third Madrid Open

MADRID (AP):

Novak Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 to win his third Madrid Open title yesterday, tying Rafael Nadal for most Masters 1000 trophies with 33.

It was the second title of the season for the top-ranked Djokovic, adding to his triumph in the Australian Open. He had not won in Madrid since 2016, with his other title in the Spanish capital coming in 2011.

Nadal and Djokovic have five more Masters 1000 titles than Roger Federer, third in the all-time list.

“These are the best tournaments, biggest tournaments we have in our sport, in the ATP, of course, alongside the Grand Slams,” Djokovic said. “This is as important and as good as it gets.”

Djokovic was in control from the start against his 20-year-old Greek opponent, who had defeated Nadal in the Madrid semi-finals and was trying to become the first player to win three tour titles this season.

First set

The Serb broke Tsitsipas early in the first set and late in the second to comfortably close out the match at the Magic Box centre court, securing his 14th clay title – and 74th overall – without dropping a set.

The eighth-seeded Tsitsipas, the tour’s winningest player in 2019 with 27 victories, lacked the intensity and aggressiveness that he showed against second-ranked Nadal and was overpowered by Djokovic. He had beaten Djokovic in Toronto last year in the first meeting between the two players.

Djokovic didn’t concede a break point yesterday, earning a crucial one for himself at 4-4 in the second set by returning Tsitsipas’ overhead shot with a backhand winner down the line. He then served out to win the match.

Kiki Bertens won the women’s title on Saturday.