Novak Djokovic won the 90th title of his career and the
fourth of 2022 with a straight sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas at the ATP
Finals in Astana on Sunday. Djokovic, 35, won 6-3, 6-4 in 75 minutes to add to
his streak of victories this season in Israel, Rome and Wimbledon. It was the
ninth straight win for the fourth seed, who earned a spot at the 2022 ATP Finals
following the victory. "I can only dream, of course," Djokovic
replied when asked if he ever thought he would win 90 titles.
"I always hope that I will have a great career. It is
clear that I do not know the last time I will play, how many competitions I will
win, but my goal is always to reach the highest level in our sport. "
The Serb won in Tel Aviv a week ago, his first tournament
since winning his seventh Wimbledon crown and 21st Grand Slam title in July. He
was banned from the US Open and all North American hard courts because of his
refusal to take a vaccine before returning to host Roger Federer at the Laver
Cup singles event in London last month.
His arrival has increased his motivation, he admits.
"Well, it happened," Djokovic said. “I couldn't have asked for a
better start to the season. I am as motivated and motivated to finish this
season as I have been for the past two weeks. "
For third-seeded Tsitsipas, who is seeking a 10th career
title, it was his ninth loss in as many ATP Tour 500-level Finals appearances.
Djokovic also started slowly, winning the first set in just
over a minute. With Tsitsipas serving at 3-4, Djokovic took the only break in
the first set.
Djokovic earned another break in the second five-set game
when Tsitsipas' backhand hit the net. The Serbian made it three points with a
backhand winner on the floor.
"I am very grateful and blessed to be able to play well
at this stage of my life," added Djokovic. "You know, 35 is not 25.
But I think that the experience, maybe, that these kinds of games and big time
also help to draw attention in the right way. Djokovic leads Tsitsipas 8-2 in
their last seven meetings and wins.