Djokovic Tops Tsitsipas For 6th Rome Masters Title, First Of 2022

Novak Djokovic is finally back in the win column after an impressive victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7, 7-6(5).

“I pleasantly surprised myself I can say. I had a clear game plan and I knew what to expect, so I knew what I had to do, but I did play a perfect first set,” Djokovic told the crowd. “After that it was a little tighter. At this level, one or two points can turn a match and he was then back in the game at 4-1 up.

“The match could easily have gone to a third set but I managed to find the right shots at the right time to come back into the match. The tie-break I was maybe an inch better, but it was a tight, tight tie-break for both of us.”

In their fourth meeting on clay, Djokovic was dominant in the first set behind his strong serve and forehand. Tsitsipas, who was appearing in his first Rome final, was out of sorts off the ground and failed to make any mark.

But things changed early in the second. The Greek began connecting from the group as Djokovic’s level dropped. Tsitsipas would grab a break lead and eventually led 5-2. But Tsitsipas couldn’t force a third. Instead, Djokovic came back to force a breaker and walked off with his 6th Rome title and 38th Masters victory. It’s great news for Djokovic who was struggling just a month ago.

“Two days ago I played great,” Djokovic said. “I have been building my form for the past couple of weeks and I knew that my best shape on clay usually comes around Rome time, so it could not be better going into Roland Garros with a title.

“I usually peak here in Rome. I’ve had six titles but also had a lot of finals and semifinals. Always a really good week of tennis with a lot of matches, and competitiveness on the court. Anything that I was really looking for here in Rome I got.”

Tsitsipas falls to 0-4 against Djokovic on clay.

“Right now Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic. They both play great, great tennis. I would put them as favourites,” Tsitsipas said. “Right now I need to improve a few things in my game. I don’t know if I’m going to get there, but I hope I do with my hard work by the time Roland Garros begins.

“I’d love myself to get around with these players and be there with them. But I will really need to put a bit more attention to detail in the next couple of weeks.”