Novak Djokovic produced a top quality show on Saturday to defeat Roman Safiullin 6-1, 7-6 (3) on the Tel Aviv Watergen Open.
The highest seed will play for his 89th tour-level title in Sunday’s remaining.
Novak was dominant within the first set. He broke twice, within the second and fourth video games, to maneuver forward.
Safiullin raised his degree within the second set. Djokovic made a break within the ninth sport, however the world no.104 from Kazakhstan broke again as Nole served for the match. Novak confirmed composure within the tie-break to seal the win in 95 minutes, reaching his fourth remaining in 2022.
“It was a really aggressive match, particularly within the second set,” stated Djokovic. “I need to say I used to be fairly emotional on the court docket at this time within the second set, there was loads of rigidity and that was additionally on account of his aggressive fashion of tennis. Large serves, and he’s so stable from the forehand and backhand nook. I knew that I needed to keep very robust, and that he was undoubtedly going to lift his degree within the second set, which occurred. I used to be serving for the match and performed a few unfastened factors, however credit score to him for preventing again. It was an pleasant night on the court docket for certain.”
Match statistics: aces (7-8), double faults (2-5), winners (14-22), unforced errors (10-28), complete factors gained (74-52).
The Serbian star gained 84 per cent of the factors on his first serve.
Novak will take Marin Cilic (CRO, 2, H2H 18-2) within the championship match on Sunday (17.30 CET). Marin defeated Fixed Lestienne (FRA) 7-5, 6-3 within the semifinals.
Picture: Profimedia
