Current World No. 7 Novak Djokovic won his 89th career title with a straight-sets victory over former US Open champion Marin Cilic with a score of 6-3, 6-4 at Tel Aviv Watergen Open final on Sunday.
The Tel Aviv title is Djokovic’s third this year, bringing his total to three since winning his seventh Wimbledon title and 21st Grand Slam in July and the Italian Open in May. The victory also improved his career head-to-head record against Cilic to 19-2 in a total of 21 meetings dating back to 2008.
The Serbian has become the first man this season to win titles on three different surfaces in 2022 at the ATP Tour level: hard, clay (Rome), and grass (Wimbledon)
Rome 🏆
Wimbledon 🏆
Tel Aviv 🏆@DjokerNole becomes the first man this year to win a title on all 3 surfaces! pic.twitter.com/sd5xie3Hu0— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 2, 2022
“My approach is to win tournaments wherever I am and I’m glad that I have a team of people around me that makes sure that I am in the best shape in order to be a contender to win titles,” Djokovic said.
“That’s why I came to Israel, was to try to win the title. First time playing here [since a] Davis Cup tie more than 15 years ago, so it was a really amazing experience”.
Cmon let’s go!!! Amazing feeling! See you at the finals! 💪🏼😤🎾🙌🏼🙌🏼 #idemooo #TelAvivOpen pic.twitter.com/ncWXpQUAHx
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) October 1, 2022
Tel Aviv Open final
Cilic, who had only faced four break points all week, fell behind when the Serbian set the tone by finding great depth on his returns against the Croatian’s serves.
Marin managed to fire 13 aces but couldn’t keep up with Novak, facing six break points and losing serve once in each set to finish second. The Serb won the mid-range and most extended rallies while evicting the Croat in the shorter ones to earn his victory over Cilic in one hour and 35 minutes.
“Just everything really that we experienced this week was positive,” Djokovic said.
“The way people treated us when we landed in Israel all the way to the last moments now of our stay here has been truly wonderful and I am very grateful because it was more than a tournament for me”.
Despite the loss, Cilic had an unforgettable week as he celebrated his 34th birthday on September 28.
“It was a fantastic week for me celebrating my birthday,” Cilic said. “I didn’t have a chance to celebrate with so [many people before], but next time I’m buying drinks, everybody!”
Djokovic defeated Roman Safiullin 6-1, 7-6(3) to advance to the Tel Aviv Open final, while Cilic beat Constant Lestienne 7-5, 6-3 to reach his first final of the year.
Through to his 127th ATP Tour final! 🔥@DjokerNole knocks out Safiullin 6-1, 7-6(3).
@telavivopen | #TelAvivOpen pic.twitter.com/yREcm8SCyD
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 1, 2022
Djokovic returned to the court
Last week, Djokovic played his first match since Wimbledon in the Laver Cup, Roger Federer’s farewell event in London after missing the US Open and the North American hardcourt action due to his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
“I played some very good tennis, I think. I [didn’t] drop a set the entire week,” the 21-time major champion said.
“I hadn’t played a tournament in three months, so it was really extra motivation for me to really do well, particularly because people have been so friendly and so supportive of me throughout the week. I’m taking some great confidence into next week as well.”
Novak is the fifth player this season to win three titles, joining Carlos Alcaraz (5), Rafael Nadal (4), Andrey Rublev (3), and Casper Ruud (4).
The Serbian will compete for his fourth trophy of 2022 at the Astana Open in Kazakhstan next week, which will also feature current World No. 1 and No. 4 Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev respectively. Djokovic will face five-time ATP Tour champion Cristian Garin on Monday.