Djokovic Wins Tel Aviv Open

Former World number one, Novak Djokovic, defeated Marin Cilic in a game of two sets on Sunday to win the Tel Aviv Open. Sunday’s victory marked his first title, winning the Wimbledon Championship title back in July, as well as his third title of the season.

The 2022 season did not start quite well for Djokovic, but he has been able to record a few successes with the chances he can. 

Djokovic did not face a break point as he beat Cilic  6-3 6-4 in one of his finest games so far this season. Being away from the game for three months has not had much of an effect on the Serbian. Speaking after the match, he said: “I played some very good tennis, I think. I [didn’t] drop a set the entire week. 

“I hadn’t played a tournament in three months, so it was really an extra motivation for me to really do well, particularly because people have been so friendly and so supportive of me throughout the week.”

The Tel Aviv Open was also the first tournament for Djokovic since Wimbledon, besides the Laver Cup, which was held last week. In August, he did not play in the US Open due to vaccination laws, and since he would not be allowed in Australia next year January, the next grand slam Djokovic would play in is at the French Open, where he lost to Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinal some months ago. 

But Djokovic would have very little time to rest as he is expected to face Cristian Garin in the first round of the Astana Open on Monday, October 3. 

Elsewhere, Marc-Andrea Huesler won his first tour title at the Sofia Open after defeating Dane Holger Rune in straight sets. Huesler, who was competing in his first ATP Final, is the first Swiss to win an ATP Tour title since Roger Federer did in 2019. On his way to the final, Huesler had his first win over a top 20 opponent when he beat Pablo Carreno Busta earlier this week.  

Leon Osamor