Novak Djokovic counts 22, edges nearer to Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic is off to a successful begin in Brisbane. The legend ousted Rinky Hijikata 6-3, 6-3 in an hour and 14 minutes, making a victorious begin to the season. Djokovic notched his twenty second consecutive season with an ATP victory.

Thus, Novak grew to become the fifth participant to attain that because the starting of the ATP Tour in 1990. The Serb joined Roger Federer (24), Rafael Nadal (23), Richard Gasquet (23) and his subsequent rival, Gael Monfils (22) on the unique record. 

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Djokovic is not going to retire anytime quickly, trying good to match Roger’s file in 2027. Novak’s first ATP win got here within the 2004 Davis Cup in opposition to Janis Skroderis. Virtually 21 years later, the Serb remains to be ranked within the top-10, hoping for a robust season at notable occasions.

Djokovic didn’t push for your complete season in 2024, specializing in the Olympic Video games. The veteran chased an elusive gold medal and defeated Carlos Alcaraz in an epic remaining, finishing the sport of tennis and conquering all 15 notable titles.

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Novak performed solely two official tournaments by the top of the 12 months, recharging batteries forward of 2025 and signing to compete in Brisbane. Djokovic is chasing his milestone a hundredth ATP title, hoping to attain an unbelievable feat forward of the Australian Open.

The Serb performed nicely in his first match in Brisbane since 2009. He outplayed Hijikata on serve and return and secured his twenty second consecutive season with an ATP win. Novak misplaced ten factors in 9 service video games, providing Rinky no break factors. 

The house participant felt the stress and cracked underneath it. Djokovic grabbed 44% of the return factors and supplied three breaks from 5 alternatives. Novak landed 26 winners and 12 unforced errors, taming his strokes properly and sealing the deal in model. 

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Djokovic held at love within the first sport with a backhand winner and delivered a break within the subsequent one for an early benefit. Hijikata recovered his preliminary shot and supplied three holds, remaining inside one break deficit. Novak served for the opener at 5-3. 

The sport reached a deuce, and Novak fired two highly effective serves for 6-3 in 39 minutes. They served nicely initially of the second set, reaching 3-3. Djokovic made a push within the seventh sport and compelled the rival’s mistake with a nice volley. 

Novak held within the subsequent one for 5-3 and delivered a break at 15 in sport 9 to seal the deal in model.