Djokovic Reaches Tokyo Final, Will Meet Millman

by Staff | October 5th, 2019, 8:47 pm
  • 6 Comments

Novak Djokovic will seek his first title since Wimbledon Sunday in Tokyo where he will meet qualifier John Millman.

Djokovic cruised past former champion David Goffin 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the final in his debut at the event.

“I’m very satisfied with the way I’ve been playing the whole week,” Djokovic said. “It’s been a very positive week on the court, off the week as well. Hopefully I’ll be able to crown it tomorrow with a trophy.”


In four matches, Djokovic has only been taken to 5-all just once.

Millman reached the final after toppling Reilly Opelka 6-4, 7-6(4).

“That was a pretty good match. It’s always difficult playing against someone like Reilly, who has got such a massive serve. I was really happy to take the few little chances I had and took care of my own service games pretty well,” Millman said. “Managing to get through to play a final in Tokyo, that’s pretty special for me.”

Djokovic has won both meetings with the Australian who had to save match points in the qualifying round.

“He’s a very solid player,” Djokovic said. “I saw today that he had a very good, solid win against Opelka, who was in form and is never easy to play against because he has such a big serve. And Millman is someone that is fighting hard, he’s a real fighter on the court. He never gives up. He has a positive attitude, he runs for every ball and he makes you play. So it’s going to be again a baseline battle and I’m hoping I can serve as well as I did throughout the week because that’s something that is going to be needed.”

Millman will try to get his ATP title and first win over the Serb.

“I get to play a final of an ATP 500 in such a special place like Tokyo,” said Millman. “For me, that’s why you play. That’s why you go through the graft and some of the tougher times, to give yourself an opportunity like this. It’s pretty special.”


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6 Comments for Djokovic Reaches Tokyo Final, Will Meet Millman

Van Persie Says:

good warm up for Nole this week. he looks healthy and will be confident next week in Shanghai.

Congrats on his 76’st title!


Van Persie Says:

Goos week for John too!

Congrats, mate!


Wog Boy Says:

VP,
Don’t bother, unless 38 years old plays this site is dead.

Anyway, Goffin match was really high quality match, Goffin had his chances in the second set but Nole played really his best at the most important moments.
Considering Shangai is the fastest court on tour with low bounce this was good tournament for Nole, very fast court with low bounce.
John Millman did his best, but really lacked the weapons to beat Nole.
His speach was really nice and he enjoyed the moment holding the runner up plate and making photos with Nole, happy for him, nice hardworking bloke.


chrisford1 Says:

I thought Cincinnati was the fastest, then IW. And Shanghai has plexicushion similar to AO’s Melbourne courts.
Glad Novak joined the list of great winners at Rakuten. Like his China love, serious love in Japan for a sensei.
Djokovic 14-3 n 500 finals. But his custom as been do Dubai for the appearance money and AO tuneup, then 2-3 at years end. There are 13 total ATP 500s.
I agree the Goffin match was great. 1st tennis I saw since the USO, and I only saw the final, but Medvedev-Nadal was the best match I saw in the year. Though the Wimbledon Final was the tensest, and Djokovic’s obliteration of Nadal in Australia was the best I saw him play.


Van Persie Says:

WB,

Do not worry, do not expect many comments here, when Fed’s not playing 🙂. I did not post for weeks myself, being busy. Had the chance to watch tennis only yesterday and today.

yes, match against Goffin was very good, the Belgian had his chances but he has a mental issue when playing Nole. I think he beat Nole only once.


Wog Boy Says:

CF1,
Not anymore, the fastest courts out of main tournaments (GS and masters) are Shangai (by quite a margin) and AO coming close to Shangai.
I had a link but I am too tired to look for it now, you can trust me on this one.

VP,
I understand they don’t want to comment on Tokyo;) but Beijing had quite a few great matches, last night Thiem vs Khachanov was absolute gem, tennis is not only Nole, Rafa or 38 years old, after all they (cult members) keep claiming they are tennis fans first and then….?
I am waiting now for Thiem vs Tsitsipas final, mouthwatering match should be.

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