When Novak Djokovic yesterday won the Italian Open semifinal against Norwegian Casper Ruud in two straight sets (6-4, 6-3), it was his 1000th victory on the ATP tour.
Now he has won 1001 matches.
The final against the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas ended 2-0 to the Serb, after the set numbers 6-0, 7-6 (7-5).
Thus, he took his sixth title in Rome - and his first of the season.
- I have built up my form in recent weeks.
The timing could not have been better for Roland Garros, he says according to the news agency AP, and refers to the French Open which starts next week.
- A perfect scenario for me.
Especially year
The last time Djokovic won a tournament was the Paris Masters in November.
Since then, he has had a special year, to say the least, where he had to stand over the Australian Open in high-profile forms because he was not vaccinated against the coronavirus.
- This year has been special.
It took some time after everything that happened in Australia.
Now I have found my best form.
I come to Paris with a lot of confidence, he says.