Novak Djokovic Wins 90th Career Title With Astana Victory

Posted by Samson Kankan Latest Headlines, Sports News Monday, October 10th, 2022

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – Novak Djokovic claimed the 90th title of his career and the fourth of 2022 with a dominant straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the ATP final in Astana on Sunday.

The 35-year-old Djokovic triumphed 6-3, 6-4 in 75 minutes to add to the trophies he won this season in Israel, Rome and Wimbledon.

It was the ninth consecutive match victory for the fourth seed, who guaranteed himself a spot at the 2022 ATP Finals as a result of the win.

“I dared to dream, actually,” Djokovic replied when asked if he had ever imagined he would win 90 titles.

“I always hoped that I would be going to have a great career. Obviously, I didn’t know the number of finals I was going to play, the number of tournaments I was going to win, but my intention was always to reach the highest heights in our sport.”

The Serb won in Tel Aviv a week ago, his first singles tournament since wrapping up a seventh Wimbledon crown and 21st Grand Slam title in July.

He was banned from the US Open and the entire North American hardcourt swing over his refusal to be vaccinated before returning for Roger Federer’s farewell in the Laver Cup team event in London last month.

His time away had increased his motivation, and he agreed. “Well, it did,” Djokovic said. “I could not ask for a better restart of the season. I’m super-pumped and motivated to end the season as well as I have done these past couple of weeks.”

AFP