Minutes after completing a 6-3, 7-5 ATP Toronto Masters final win over Kei Nishikori on Sunday for his 66th career title, Novak Djokovic shifted his focus to the Rio Olympics. He won back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012, as well as in 2007.
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En route to the Rogers Cup semi, Monfils knocked out two Canadians, most notably homegrown hero Milos Raonic, who many – including organizers – had hoped would be on the main card Saturday night alongside Djokovic. The Serb has 12 Grand Slam titles, winning this year in Australia and France.
Djokovic continued to excel in one of tennis’ grandest stages as he beat Nishikori and claimed his 30th Masters 1000 title. “I know that he loves to take the control of the rallies and just to kind of overpower his opponent from back of the court”.
“I had too many unforced errors especially during important points”, Nishikori said.
Much as Berdych had experienced while pushing to close out close sets with Djokovic on Friday, the world No. 1 digs in hard when the going gets tough. “His serves and returns were great, and I felt pressured”, said Nishikori.
In contrast to his rival, Nishikori made no mistake when his set point arrived and it was plain sailing for the Japanese thereafter as Wawrinka folded. But Djokovic’s serve proved to be the difference.
“He raised his level a lot from a couple of days ago”, said Nishikori, who earns $383,690 and 600 tour points for finishing second.
Nishikori looked out of ideas as Djokovic raced to 40-0 against serve at 1-1 in the second set and converted his second break point thanks to another miscue from across the net.
“Well, it’s the biggest sports event, so to be part of it is already a huge privilege and honor that I will cherish, as I did in Beijing and London Olympic Games”, said Djokovic when asked about the Rio de Janeiro Games. It was the second time this year in the final of a Masters 1000.
Things remained tense in the second set after the two stars were deadlocked 5-5, with Nishikori on the serve. His intensity spiked and for the first time in the afternoon, Nishikori was all hollers and pumping fists. “If (I) gave him a chance… he’s a top player, so he’s gonna come back strong”.
Nishikori has lost his last eight matches with Djokovic, the last loss in the Key Biscayne final in April, and is 2-9 overall.
Earlier, Croatia’s Ivan Dodig and Brazil’s Marcelo Melo topped Britain’s Jamie Murray and Brazil’s Bruno Soares 6-4, 6-4 to win the tournament’s doubles title.
Kerber won six games in a row, including a service break to start the third set before Halep took over again with a break to tie it 2-2 and go on a run of six consecutive game wins to end the match.
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Japan’s Nishikori, forced to pull out of Wimbledon earlier this month due to an ongoing rib injury, also impressed as he battled through the opening set before taking the second in style against Wawrinka, victor of the 2015 French Open.
