Tel Aviv Open LIVE – Djokovic defeats Safiullin: Novak Djokovic won his third successive match in straight sets at the the Tel Aviv Watergen Open in style on Saturday as he defeated Roman Safiullin 6-1, 7-6(3) and reached his fourth tour-level final of 2022. He will meet either Marin Cilic or Constant Lestienne in the summit clash on Sunday. Follow Tel Aviv Open 2022 LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN
Tel Aviv Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic qualifies for Tel Aviv Open final, defeats Roman Safiullin in straight sets in semifinal – Check Highlights
Through to his 127th ATP Tour final! 🔥@DjokerNole knocks out Safiullin 6-1, 7-6(3).@telavivopen | #TelAvivOpen pic.twitter.com/yREcm8SCyD
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 1, 2022
In the first set, Djokovic started off brilliantly as he stamped his authority early in his maiden meeting with the World No. 104. Safiullin. The Serbian took a 5-0 lead but culdn’t achieve a bagel set as he dropped just a solitary game to take the first set 6-1.
However Safiullin raised his level in the second to break the top seed when he was serving for the match at 5-4, but he could not maintain his improved level long enough to force a deciding set, as Djokovic stayed solid to secure victory in the tie-break to complete his third straight-sets victory of the week in Israel in 95 minutes.
“I think it was a very competitive match, especially in the second set,” said Djokovic. “I must say I was quite emotional on the court today in the second set, there was a lot of tension, and that was also due to his aggressive style of tennis. Big serves, and when he has time, he’s so solid from the forehand and backhand corner.
“I knew that I had to stay very strong, and that he was definitely going to raise his level in the second set, which happened. I was serving for the match and played a couple of loose points, but credit to him for fighting back. It was an enjoyable evening on the court for sure.”
Tel Aviv Open LIVE: Novak Djokovic qualifies for Tel Aviv Open final, defeats Roman Safiullin in straight sets in semifinal – Check Highlights
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