The world No 1, Novak Djokovic, remains without an ATP Tour title this season after losing against Russia’s Andrey Rublev in the Serbia Open final.
Djokovic fought back from a set down for the fourth time this week in front of his home fans in Belgrade, but ran out of steam in the decider as Rublev powered to a 6-2, 6-7 (4), 6-0 victory in 2hr 29min.
It was Rublev’s first win against a world No 1 and gives the 24-year-old a third tour-level title of the season – equalling the tally of Rafael Nadal – following previous victories in Marseille and Dubai in February.
Rublev broke Djokovic’s serve twice in the opening set and saved five set points in the second to force a tie-break, but Djokovic roared into a 5-2 lead and let out a roar of delight as he levelled the contest.
However, the efforts of the week then seemed to catch up with Djokovic and Rublev broke his opponent’s serve three times to storm through the decider without losing a game.
“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.”
Iga Swiatek meanwhile defeated Aryna Sabalenka to claim her fourth consecutive title at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. The 20-year-old has established herself as a dominant world No 1 over the past few weeks following Ashleigh Barty’s retirement and added the Stuttgart crown to her titles in Doha, Indian Wells and Miami.
Swiatek dropped a set for the first time since Indian Wells against Liudmila Samsonova in the semi-finals on Saturday but the final was another story of domination as she brushed aside Sabalenka 6-2 6-2.
The opening set was tighter than the scoreline appeared but third seed Sabalenka struggled on serve, while Swiatek fought off moments of pressure before wrapping up victory in an hour and 24 minutes.
The former French Open champion, who will take home a Porsche as well as her prize money, has now won 23 matches in a row and will have a lead of more than 2,000 points in the rankings on Monday.
Swiatek said: “I worked hard this week to adjust properly and to play my best tennis on the surface so I’m really proud of myself. I’m really proud of my team because after yesterday’s match it wasn’t easy to reset, and also physically and mentally be ready for today.”
The Pole’s winning sequence puts her in esteemed company, with only the Williams sisters, Justine Henin and Victoria Azarenka managing longer runs among female players since 2000.
“It’s pretty surreal, honestly,” Swiatek said. “A few years ago I wouldn’t have even thought about being in this kind of group so for sure right now I need to work harder to keep this streak but I’m just going to take it match by match. I’m super proud of myself and really satisfied. These kind of players were my role models when I was growing up so it’s great.”
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Source: The Guardian
BDST: 1230 HRS, APR 25, 2022
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