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Tennis
Two days before the start of the US Open, world number one Novak Djokovic confirmed his position as the favorite and won his 35th Masters Series title. The 33-year-old Serb defeated Canadian Milos Raonic on Saturday in the hard court event that moved from Cincinnati to New York – despite intermittent neck problems – in two hours with 1: 6 6: 3 6: 4.
With his 35th ATP 1000 title, the second highest category after the Grand Slams, Djokovic tied with Spanish record holder Rafael Nadal. Djokovic remains undefeated this year. For him, it was already the 23rd consecutive victory in a match and at the same time the 23rd on hard court, on the mat where the US Open in New York will also be played starting Monday.
Djokovic’s only loss this year came in an unofficial match: on the Adria Tour, which was overshadowed by the following coronavirus cases, he was defeated by compatriot Filip Krajinovic in three sets. Djokovic is considered a big favorite at the US Open not only since the cancellations of Nadal and Roger Federer. The Serbian is aiming for his 18th Grand Slam win starting Monday.
Strong comeback after falling behind in sets
The Serbs managed the decisive break against Raonic in the third set to take a 3-2 lead. With a score of 5: 4, he had to fend off a breakball before winning the tournament for the second time after 2018. As in the semifinals against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain, Djokovic had given up the first set.
Previously, Djokovic had caused a stir with plans for an association of competing players for the men’s ATP organization and sparked debates in men’s tennis. Nadal contradicted Djokovic on social media and called on the players for unity and constructive cooperation rather than separation.
ATP 1,000 tournament in New York
(US $ 4,674,780 hard court)
