Novak Djokovic reaches finals in Rome
The world number one, Novak Djokovic, who is aiming for his sixth title at the Rome Masters 1000, dominated Casper Ruud (10th) 6-4, 6-3 to face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final, becoming the fifth player to reach 1000 victories on the circuit.
Still without a title this year after a first quarter with almost no matches due to his non-vaccination against Covid, the Serb had to employ himself to the fullest against a combative Ruud.
'Nole' thus becomes part of the select circle of players with 1,000 victories on the ATP circuit, along with Jimmy Connors (record with 1,274 victories), Roger Federer, Ivan Lendl, and Rafael Nadal.
"Let's go for another thousand!" smiled the Serbian as he received a commemorative cake with that symbolic number at the end of the match.
In the absence of Rafael Nadal, the emperor with ten titles in Rome but eliminated in the round of 16, and Carlos Alcaraz, who is resting with his sights set on Roland-Garros (May 22-June 5), Djokovic has seen his path to the final clearer.
On Sunday, he will play his twelfth final on the Roman clay against Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas (5th) (with five victories in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2020). AFP
