World number one, Novak Djokovic, has won his first title in 2022 after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-0 7-6(5) in the final of the Italian Open. Djokovic’s last title was in November 2021 at the Paris Masters Open. Following his deportation from Australia at the start of the year, Djokovic was unable to compete in the first Grand Slam of the season and has missed some other events due to his vaccination status. He has not also been successful in some of the events he has played in, crashing out in the early stages. Before Sunday’s victory, Djokovic’s best finish this year was at the semi-final in Madrid.

Sunday’s win came just a day after Djokovic won his 1000th tour-level match after defeating Casper Rudd at the semi-final. Djokovic is the fifth man in history to reach and pass the 1000 mark. He now joins his close rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, at that spot.

Sunday’s game was just like the final of last year French Open, with Djokovic and Tsitsipas on either side of the net. And just like in France, Djokovic was able to subdue his Greek opponent and claim the title he was denied last year by Nadal. Djokovic won without dropping a set. The first set was complete as Tsitsipas failed to make any points. Although he tried to bounce back in the second set, leading 4-1 at some point, he could not get through the Serbian who was playing in his first final of the year.

Speaking after his vicinity, Djokovic said that he has spent time building his form as he was hoping to prepare for the French Open: “I’ve been building my form the last few weeks. It couldn’t be better timing coming into Roland Garros. This year it was a particular situation. With everything that happened in Australia, it took some time. I found my best shape here. I’m going to Paris with a lot of confidence.”

Written by: Leon Osamor