ATP Masters New York: Novak Djokovic wins final against Milos Raonic
Novak Djokovic has won the final of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament moved from Cincinnati to New York. The world number one defeated Milos Raonic 1: 6, 6: 3 and 6: 4.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Aug 29, 2020, 09:16 pm
Raonic's prospects before the final were not particularly good: On the one hand, the Canadian had lost all previous matches against Novak Djokovic, most recently at the Australian Open at the beginning of 2020. And Raonic has never been the winner of a final of an ATP Masters 1000 tournament gone.
On the other hand: While Raonic led a concentrated performance to a two-set win in the semifinals against Stefanos Tsitsipas, Djokovic had to fight Roberto Bautista Agut for three hours to prevail in the tie-break of the third round. In addition, plagued by neck pain, which had hindered the world number one at the start against Ricardas Berankis.
Milos Raonic starts offensive
Raonic started well and had a break ball in Djokovics' first service game. His few chances against the Serbian, who is still unbeaten this year, should be used. Otherwise Novak Djokovic will hit back mercilessly. Raonic nevertheless sought his salvation in the flight forward, tried to shorten the rallies even more than usual. And was rewarded in the fourth game. A backhand from Djokovic landed in the net, Raonic took the break 3-1 lead. And in this key it went on. After just 30 minutes, Raonic had won the first set 6: 1.
But of course it was clear that it would not be that easy for the often injured Raonic. Novak Djokovic is too strong, even if he doesn't come out on the court one hundred percent fit. The favorite got the break to 4: 2 in the second set, served without any problems to 6: 3.
Djokovic counters an early break
The decision began with a break from Raonic, but Djokovic immediately equalized. When the score was 2: 2, Raonic initially fended off two break chances, but then sank a forehand in the net. That was enough for Novak Djokovic, who served 6: 4 with his own serve after a playing time of about two hours, again after defending a break ball.
And so Djokovic, who started in the US Open on Monday with the match against Damir Dzumhur, got his 80th tournament victory, the 35th at ATP Masters 1000 level, which he drew level with Rafael Nadal in this category. And put his annual balance on 23 wins with zero losses. Milos Raonic, on the other hand, has to wait: for the first Masters title. And on the first success against Novak Djokovic.