Novak Djokovic defeats Stefanos Tsitsipas in Astana Open final to win his 90th career ATP title. Djokovic became the first man in history to win 18 Grand Slam men’s singles titles.
Astana Open
Final
1
Rafael Nadal
1
Novak Djokovic
1
Stefanos Tsitsipas
Novak Djokovic’s first title at the ATP World Tour Finals has come in a decisive Grand Slam final versus his fellow Serb in 2015. It was his second time in the tournament, having won in 2010.
In an eventful 2017 season for Djokovic, he lost in the final at Indian Wells, the Australian Open final and his first career final at Rio at the end of October, and then defeated Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the quarter finals on the way to his first ATP title.
He then faced Roger Federer again in a five-setter in New York, and then had a five-setter against Andy Murray in the final round at the US Open, which his coach Stan Wawrinka called his “comeback”.
Djokovic had looked over his shoulder since Murray won in straight sets in late January, going into his last match with a big lead. He was confident as he approached his fifth match of the season, which would be his final match of 2017. But Nadal broke his serve in the first game and held on for a two-set victory over the Serb to take his seventh and final title at the tournament.
Rafael Nadal’s Wimbledon title victory over Novak Djokovic in 2011 was the last time the two met in a grand slam final. Djokovic won their second meeting in an ATP World Tour final. (AFP Photo/Gianluca Lapiccola)
The two met for the first time in the semifinals of the 2016 tournament, at the US Open, where Nadal lost in straight sets.
Djokovic has won 22 ATP singles titles — the most men have ever won at a single tournament.
Djokovic had only lost an easy set against Nadal in three previous meetings before the final, but this time, in