After a complicated start to the season, Novak Djokovic needed reassurance. It’s done. Sunday May 15, the Serb offered himself a sixth coronation at the Rome tournament, at the expense of the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas (5and world): 6-0, 7-6 (7/5).
This victory confirms the return to great shape of the world number 1, who had not won any title in 2022, after having experienced a first quarter almost at a standstill due to his non-vaccination against Covid-19.
In the absence of Rafael Nadal, emperor with ten Roman coronations eliminated in the round of 16, and Carlos Alcaraz, a phenomenon at rest with a view to Roland-Garros (May 22-June 5), Djokovic did not fail to reach the final without concede any set.
The day before, the Serb had recorded his 1,000and victory on the ATP circuit, joining a very closed circle which until now only counted as members Jimmy Connors (record holder with 1,274 successes), Roger Federer, Ivan Lendl and Rafael Nadal.
“Yesterday and the day before yesterday, I played very wellgoverned the interested party after his victory. My fitness level has improved over the past few weeks. It was a wonderful tournament for me. »
“You inspire me a lot”
If Djokovic crushed the first set, taking advantage of a slump from Tsitsipas, the meeting could have gone to a third set. Led 5-2 in the second set, the Serb was able to raise the bar to conclude the proceedings after the tie-break.
“I surprised myself todayrecognized the world number 1. I knew what I had to do and what to expect. »
“You inspire me a lot and I hope to reach your level one day”paid tribute to him his opponent of the day at the end of the match.
A reissue of the last Porte d’Auteuil final, the Foro Italico poster sent a hint of Roland-Garros to Rome. Tsitsipas will have to wait a little longer to hope to take his revenge on the Serb, who deprived him of the coronation in 2021 after a battle in five sets. Djokovic will try to join the record holder Nadal in the number of Grand Slam victories (21).