Novak Djokovic made a huge statement ahead of the French Open by beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 to win the Madrid Open title.
Djokovic’s victory was also a record-equalling 33rd Masters 1000 title for the Serbian, drawing him level with great rival Rafael Nadal at the top of the all-time list.
“I wasn’t playing my best tennis after the Australian Open so I was looking to regain momentum,” Djokovic told reporters after his victory.
“I played some of my best tennis here, it’s a big win obviously for me today and in this tournament. I’m really looking forward to continuing this streak in Rome (at the Italian Open).”
“He’s very talented, he beat Rafa yesterday, he had a late night and he wasn’t as dynamic in his movement and that was probably due to his long match.”
The Greek eighth seed rarely threatened to re-produce the display he put up on Saturday when he knocked out home favourite, Nadal .
Rather, the 15-time Grand Slam winner was in command throughout, as he continued his preparations towards Roland Garros.
He had not dropped a service game all week in Madrid, and raced into a 3-0 lead as he broke his opponent’s first service with his trademark backhand down the line, causing Tsitsipas problems throughout.
Tsitsipas, who is enjoying a breakthrough season, rallied in the second set with the support of the crowd, but Djokovic broke in the ninth game to go 5-4 up, before serving for the match.
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