By Richard Pagliaro | Saturday, February 29, 2020
A dynamic Novak Djokovic swept Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 capturing his fifth Dubai crown—and extending his winning streak to 21 matches.
Photo credit: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Facebook
Novak Djokovic continues rebranding 2020 as a visionary victory tour.
A dynamic Djokovic swept Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4 capturing his fifth Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships crown—and extending his winning streak to 21 matches.
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The world No. 1 has been a world apart in delivering quality control this year. Djokovic raised his 2020 record to 18-0 snapping Tsitsipas’ eight-match winning streak in beating the talented Greek for the third time in five meetings.
It is Djokovic’s 79th career championship.
"Every title is special; of course I haven’t participated in Dubai tournament for four years," said Djokovic, who has contested six finals in 11 Dubai appearances. "I missed playing here. I’ve been coming here on the way to Australia in the offseason spending two or three weeks using Dubai as a great base, fantastic weather, great conditions, very hospitable people.
"My kids enjoy it, my wife enjoys it, my parents, everyone does. It’s a thrill to be part of the tournament once again and of course winning is extra special."
Survival skills helped the 32-year-old Serbian save three match points subduing a red-hot Gael Monfils in Friday’s semifinals in an experience he described as “being on the edge of a cliff.”
Contesting his sixth Dubai final today, Djokovic performed like a champion thoroughly enjoying this perfect peak—it’s the seventh different time Djokovic has amassed a win streak of 20 or more victories.
Djokovic has won 43 of the 49 sets he has played in 2020.
“I'm trying to embrace the moment and appreciate where I am,” said Djokovic. “I think this has been one of the best starts of all the seasons I've had in my career. I feel great on the court.
"I'm just grateful that I'm playing well, feeling well. I've won many matches now in a row. I'll try to keep that run going.”
The beauty of Djokovic's game is when he's in full flow, the depth of his drives demoralize opponents.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion may lack second-ranked Rafael Nadal's snarling topspin forehand and 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer's fluidity and grace closing in the front court. As a champion for all surfaces, Djokovic's greatest strength may be the lack of a weakness, aside from his sometime struggle controlling smashes.
Attention to detail has long been a Djokovic asset. Working with coaches Marian Vajda and Goran Ivanisevic, the Wimbledon champion has smoothed out his serve. Asked the key to this superb streak, Djokovic wasnt exactly willing to share his secrets aterward.
"I know a few things that I’m doing that are working well, but I’ll keep them for myself I guess," Djokovic told Annabel Croft afterward.
Djokovic converted all three break points he earned and won 13 of 17 points played on Tsitsipas' second serve as the 21-year-old Greek, playing his second straight final after successfully defending Marseille last Sunday, lost some leg drive on serve as the match progress.
It is Tsitsipas' second straight Dubai final loss. He fell to Roger Federer in the 2019 title match and was philosophical in defeat today.
“Just a great learning experience against such an athlete just unbelievable for me to be learning match-by-match trying to get better," Tsitsipas told Annabel Croft afterward. "Keep failing until you make it, I guess. It’s a loop of constant repetition: trying to get better, trying to repeat yourself and learn from your mistakes.
“To all the young kids out there: believe in yourself, it’s all gonna come. It’s all patience and dedication to what you love.”
Two games into the match, the enthusiastic crowd was already chanting for the top two seeds facing off for the second time in a final.
The second-seeded Greek pressed Djokovic’s forehand provoking errors in the early stages. Tsitsipas swatted his second ace holding for 2-all.
Slipping as he sent a backhand into net, Djokovic faced the first break point of the match in the fifth game.
Standing up to stress, the four-time champion navigated his second deuce hold for 3-2.
Though Tsitsipas was holding more efficiently to that point, Djokovic tightened the screws in the eighth game when Tsitsipas scattered a backhand to face break point.
Sliding into a defensive slice forehand, Djokovic turned defense into instant offense streaking to his left and firing a bullet backhand pass crosscourt.
The top seed’s first backhand winner gave him the first break and a 5-3 lead 35 minutes into the final.
It was just the third time all tournament Tsitsipas surrendered serve.
The six-time Dubai finalist wrong-footed Tsitsipas jamming a clean backhand winner down the line for a one-set lead. Serbian fans chanted “Nole! Nole!” as Djokovic stood one set from the title.
Four games into the second set, Tsitsipas was hit with a coaching violation warning.
Struggling to find any cracks in Djokovic’s vaunted defense, the two-time Dubai finalist as showing small signs of frustration.
Tsitsipas dragged a crosscourt forehand wide to fall behind 15-30 then fell off the ball sending a double fault wide to face double break point.
Working his way to net behind a forcing backhand, Djokovic thumped a smash sealing a 16-shot rally with his second break for 3-2.
Undeterred, Tsitsipas responded immediately.
The ATP Finals champion carved out a clever drop shot capping a 25-shot rally for double break point. Tsitsipas dragged a running error from Djokovic to break back forging a 3-3 deadlock.
Ultimately the difference in this final was Djokovic’s ability to play lock-down baseline tennis at crunch time. On pivotal points, the eight-time Australian Open champion refused to miss.
Dipping a short slice to drag his opponent forward, Djokovic drew a netted reply scoring his third break for 5-4.
On the ensuing changeover, a meditative Djokovic sat impassively with eyes shut.
Djokovic drilled a backhand winner down the line serving out his fifth Dubai title at love and prolonging his perfect season.
It was a homecoming of sorts for Djokovic. In addition to hoisting the silver champion's trophy, Djokovic was awarded a golden visa.
"I want to thank his highness, Dubai Duty Free for hosting me for so many years and for allowing me this opportunity to have a golden visa and to have obviously a special status coming in the future in this country, in this city," Djokovic said. "I’m honored. It’s a great privilege. I want to thank everyone who made that possible."