Tag: Novak Djokovic

Nadal Sails Through With 300th Major Win

PARIS—Rafa Nadal produced an imperious show on Wednesday to secure his 300th Grand Slam match victory, dismantling local hope Corentin Moutet 6–3 6–1 6–4 to book his spot in the French Open third round. Nadal counts 13 Roland Garros titles among his overall 21 majors—the highest among men—and despite his injury-blighted buildup to the claycourt…


So Far so Good for Djokovic as He Keeps French Title Defense on Track

PARIS—World number one Novak Djokovic is pleased with his performance level so far at the French Open and believes everything is heading in the right direction in his title defence and quest for a record-equalling 21st Grand Slam. Djokovic expertly managed some tricky conditions at Roland Garros on Wednesday to complete a solid 6–2 6–3…


Djokovic Backs ATP Cutting Wimbledon Ranking Points Over Russia Ban; Plans to Play in Wimbledon

PARIS—Novak Djokovic intends to defend his title at Wimbledon and supports the decision by the ATP men’s tour to withhold ranking points from that tournament as a show of unity among players—even though the move will negatively affect his hold on the No. 1 spot. In response to a reporter’s question after his first-round victory…


Djokovic Strikes a Blow for Medical Freedom in Rome

Commentary The Tennis Channel’s Jason Goodall, in wrapping up his commentary on Novak Djokovic’s victory in the Italian Open over Stefanos Tsitsipas (6-0, 7-6), acknowledged that the world’s No. 1 tennis player (for an astounding 370 weeks) is back in form in time to defend his title at the French Open, which begins May 22….


Djokovic Bags 1,000th Career Win to Reach Italian Open Final

World number one Novak Djokovic earned his 1,000th tour-level victory by beating Casper Ruud 6–4 6–3 on Saturday to reach the Italian Open final. Djokovic will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the title clash on Sunday, with the Serbian playing in the final in Rome for the fourth straight time and 12th overall. It will be…


Djokovic Playing His ‘Best’ Tennis Ahead of French Open-Ap

MADRID—Novak Djokovic is optimistic about his game going into the French Open despite going another week without a title. The top-ranked Djokovic is yet to win a trophy this season while trying to regain his best form after not being allowed to play in the Australian Open because he was not vaccinated for COVID-19. Djokovic…


Alcaraz Beats Djokovic to Reach Madrid Open Final

MADRID—Rafael Nadal one day. Novak Djokovic the other. The list of victims of Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz keeps growing. And so does the hype over tennis’ newest sensation. After defeating his idol Nadal in the quarterfinals on Friday, the 19-year-old Alcaraz rallied to beat top-ranked Djokovic 6-7 (5), 7-5, 7-6 (5) after more than 3…


Murray Withdraws Before Match Against Djokovic in Madrid

MADRID—Andy Murray withdrew from his showdown against Novak Djokovic at the Madrid Open on Thursday because of a stomach illness. The announcement came not long before Murray was scheduled to take the court against the top-ranked Djokovic in the third round. It would have been the first time Murray and Djokovic played against each other…


Djokovic Heartbroken Over Former Coach Becker’s Jail Sentence

World number one Novak Djokovic said on Sunday that he was “heartbroken” after his former coach Boris Becker was sent to prison earlier this week in a bankruptcy case in the UK. The 54-year-old German was jailed for two years and six months by a London court on Friday for hiding hundreds of thousands of…


Djokovic Still Struggling Mentally in Battle to Return to Form

MADRID—World number one Novak Djokovic said that he was still struggling mentally to get back to his best after missing the Australian Open and a chunk of the early season due to him not being vaccinated against COVID-19. The 20-times Grand Slam champion was unable to defend his Australian Open title in January after being…