Italian Open Semifinals LIVE: Djokovic vs Ruud LIVE streaming – Novak Djokovic created history on Saturday by defeating Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 in the semifinals of Italian Open. With the victory, he became as he became only the fifth man in the Open era to reach 1000 career victories. Having also secured his World No.1 rank, Novak Djokovic will now aim for his first title of 2022 as he will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the summit clash at Rome. Follow Italian Open 2022 LIVE Updates on Insidesport.in.
Italian Open Semifinals LIVE: Novak Djokovic gets his 1000th career victory, defeats Casper Ruud in straight sets to enter Italian Open final
NOVAK DJOKOVIC.
That’s the tweet. pic.twitter.com/5NRM95Em2K
— Internazionali Bnl (@InteBNLdItalia) May 14, 2022
A five-time champion in Rome, the victory puts him through to his fourth straight final and 12th overall in the Italian capital. He will seek a record-extending 38th ATP Masters 1000 title in Sunday’s final against Tsitsipas.
“Thanks to the tournament and the crowd for celebrating the milestone with me,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview.
“I’ve seen Roger and Rafa celebrate those milestones in the last couple of years and I was looking forward to get to that 1,000 myself. I’m really, really blessed and privileged to have that many victories on the Tour. It’s been a long time, ever since I won my first match on the Tour. Hopefully I can keep going and many more victories to come.”
Djokovic was too hot against Ruud as he raced to a 4-0 lead in the first set. However, he slowed down a bit and allowed Ruud to break him once as the score read 5-3. After Ruud reduced the deficit to 4-5, Djokovic ensured he closed out the first set in the 10th game.
Set two was a tighter affair, with Ruud landing heavy blows and stunning Djokovic with several forehand winners. Both the players held on to their serve and won three games each. Finally in the seventh game of the set, Djokovic managed to break the deadlock after breaking Ruud in a three-deuce game — the longest of the match. He then won his next two service games to clinch the victory.
Italian Open Semifinals LIVE: Novak Djokovic gets his 1000th career victory, defeats Casper Ruud in straight sets to enter Italian Open final
