The top favorite from Serbia defeated the American Taylor Fritz in the semi-finals on Saturday after 1:53 hours 7:6(5),7:6(6). He is in his eighth “Masters” final and is hoping for his sixth title. He would draw level with record holder Roger Federer (SUI).
“I had to fight to survive. I didn’t feel very well,” Djokovic admitted on the court. “After yesterday’s long match, I knew that it would take me some time to find the dynamic movement. ” The day before, Djokovic had only been able to prevail against Vienna winner Daniil Medvedev after 3:11 hours with 7: 6 in the third set.
“I didn’t start the second set well, he served on the set,” said the 21-time major winner. “In these moments I still manage to step up a gear. It wasn’t one of my best days in terms of tennis, but I’m glad I got through it.”
Most recently, Djokovic won the Masters of the eight best players of the year seven years ago, and now he finally wants to strike again. “I’m very motivated and hungry. There’s still one match left, hopefully I can win it.”
In the final, the 35-year-old “Djoker” will meet either the Russian Andrei Rublew or the Norwegian Casper Ruud, who determined the second finalist on Saturday evening (9 p.m. / live Sky).
Djokovic could pocket $4.74m as an undefeated champion and secure 1,500 points for the ATP ranking. For comparison: There are 2,000 points for one of the four major titles. In the ATP ranking, this year’s Wimbledon winner, for which he did not receive any points, can improve to a maximum of fifth place even after winning the title.
Source: Nachrichten
