Novak Djokovic dominates to take Italian Open by DJ Hamilton

 

   In what has been a whirlwind of a year for the great tennis star, Novak Djokovic, due to not being able to compete in a majority of tennis tournaments due to refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Despite limited action this year, Djokovic showed why he is well respected as one of the best in the tennis community after sweeping Greek tennis player, Stefano Tsitsipas 6-0, 7-6 (5) for his sixth Rome title at the Italian Open.


He looks to be at the peak of his powers just a week ahead of the French Open. Djokovic spoke highly of how he feels heading into the French Open by stating, "I go there with the highest ambitions, I really like my chances. ... The way I've been feeling on the court and off the court in the last few weeks, I really think I can go far."


It also was a historic week for Djokovic by winning his 1,000 career match on Saturday over Norwegian tennis player, Casper Ruud in the semifinal round. 


It only took Djokovic a half hour to eviscerate Tsitsipas in the opening set, causing him to slam his racket in frustration due to Djokovic's mastery and brilliance. Djokovic fell behind a bit in the second round, but quickly picked back up his momentum from the first set after Tsitsipas had a 5-3 lead. 


He would rip a bullheaded forehand swing crosscourt that landed just right on the line. Djokovic would continue to push Tsitsipas to his physical limits by pushing him from corner to corner with his hits, using his experience and smarts to tire out the Greek stud. The match would come down to Tsitsipas hitting too wide on the first match point, which would end up in Djokovic raising his arms and smiling with the crowd chanting "No-le, No-le."


This has to be an emotional, morale booster for the iconic tennis star, as this is his 38th career major title, and this is coming from a guy who was just deported earlier this year from the Australian Open due to his unvaccinated status.


In the end, Djokovic should be a tough matchup for anyone who faces him in the French Open at Roland Garros, and as he continues to age like fine wine as he approaches the age of 35, don’t count him out.

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