Andrey Rublev defeats Novak Djokovic for his third tennis title of the year.
Andrey Rublev grabs title to World's #1 tennis player Novak Djokovic at the 2022 Serbia Open.
Andrey Rublev, who had his debut at the Serbia court, defeated Djokovic, 6-2, 6-7 (4), 6-0, to win his third tour-level title of the season on Sunday following his previous victories in Marseille and Dubai in February.
The 24-year-old saved five set points in the second set to force a tie-break and while he was unable to prevent Djokovic from leveling the match, Rublev regrouped in the decider as he looked the fitter of the two to triumph after two hours and 29 minutes.
Rublev won six of 12 break points to overpower Djokovic, who won only one of his nine break opportunities.
“It is big to play against you and share the court for the second time,” Rublev said to Djokovic during the trophy ceremony. “I hope we have more battles. I feel so great here, it is a very nice city. It feels really special. I want to say a big thanks to all the spectators for supporting all the players all week. To see full crowds again is special for all of us.”
Despite the 20-time Grand Slam winner being let down by his lack of physical form, Djokovic remains upbeat for his bid to capture a third French Open crown.
"I have to look at the positives, playing the final in front of my home crowd, it was unfortunate that in the third set I ran out of gas and couldn't deliver more of a fight," said Djokovic. "Things are progressing slowly but surely, Paris is the big goal and hopefully by Paris I'll be ready," said the two-time Serbia Open winner.
Djokovic has been cleared to compete at the 2022 French Open, as have Russian players like Rublev. Wimbledon, which is set to begin in June, has reportedly barred players from Russia and Belarus from competing this year.
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