Picture Credit: Twitter
Russian tennis star Andrey Rublev surprised World No.1, Novak Djokovic, to clinch Serbia Open 2022. The World No.8 overpowered the home favorite Djokovic and won his maiden title. Rublev beat Djokovic 6-2, 6-7 (4-7), 6-0 to lift the title. In a tough game, Rublev hit the ball with relentless power and intensity to outclass Djokovic in Serbia in the ATP 250 clay-court event.
While Rublev was clean in finishing the first set win, he fought hard in the second set but could not take the lead. Although the 24-year-old saved five set points in the second set to force a tie-break, he was unable to prevent Djokovic from leveling the match. However, Rublev regrouped in the decider as he looked the fitter of the two to triumph after two hours and 29 minutes.
With this win, Rublev has now equalled Spaniard Rafael Nadal for the most tour-level titles in 2022, having also clinched crowns in Marseille and Dubai in February. Also, with this victory the World No.8 leveled his ATP Head2Head series against Serbian Djokovic at 1-1, gaining revenge for his defeat at the Nitto ATP Finals last season.
I hope we have more battles: Andrey Rublev
After defeating Djokovic on his own turf, Rublev was delighted and hoped the two players have more such battles. “It is big to play against you and share the court for the second time,” Rublev said to Djokovic during the trophy ceremony. “I hope we have more battles. I feel so great here, it is a very nice city. It feels really special. I want to say a big thanks to all the spectators for supporting all the players all week. To see full crowds again is special for all of us.”
While Rublev clinched his maiden title this year, Djokovic is still searching for his first title in 2022.