Djokovic beats Tsitsipas to win Astana title

Novak Djokovic (L) of Serbia holds the trophy after winning the men’s singles final against Stefanos Tsitsipas (R) of Greece at the Astana Open tennis tournament in Astana, Kazakhstan on October 9, 2022 is posing with a (Pavel Mikheyev/Reuters)

Novak Djokovic lifted the Astana Open trophy in Kazakhstan on Sunday after defeating third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-4.

Serbia’s Wimbledon champions extended their winning streak to nine after closing out the final in 75 minutes without facing a break point, qualifying for next month’s ATP Finals.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (L) and Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas after the men’s singles final at the Astana Open tennis tournament in Astana, Kazakhstan, October 9, 2022. (Pavel Mikheyev/Reuters)

“I’m so grateful and blessed to be playing so well at this stage in my life,” Djokovic told reporters.

It was the 35-year-old Djokovic’s fourth title of the year and the 90th tour-level trophy of his career.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia (left) and Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece (right) after the men’s singles final at the Astana Open tennis tournament in Astana, Kazakhstan on October 9, 2022. Posing with Bulat Utemratov (M), President of the Tennis Federation, holding the trophy. (Pavel Mikheev/Reuters)

“Of course, I didn’t know how many finals I would play, how many tournaments I would win, but my intention was always to reach the highest heights in the sport,” Djokovic told reporters.

Greece’s Tsitsipas has lost all nine ATP 500 finals he has reached.

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