The world number one Novak Djokovic has consolidated his role as a favorite for the US Open. In the final of the hard court tournament moved from Cincinnati to New York, the 33-year-old defeated the Canadian Milos Raonic 1: 6, 6: 3, 6: 4 despite intermittent neck problems. The match lasted two hours.
For Djokovic it was the 35th triumph in a Masters 1000, a tournament in the second highest category – only Rafael Nadal was successful that often. This year Djokovic is still unbeaten. For him it was already the 23rd individual victory in a row. From Monday, the Serb will fight for his 18th Grand Slam title at the US Open.
In the first set Djokovic could not oppose the Canadian. However, he then improved and ultimately won. In the semifinals against the Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, he struggled with stomach and neck problems and had to take two medical breaks.
Djokovic has big plans
Djokovic had previously caused a sensation with plans for a players’ association outside the ATP. The ATP is the association of professional male tennis players. The board of directors consists of three tournament representatives and three player representatives from the players’ council. Djokovic has apparently already resigned from his post as chairman of the ATP players’ council.
The aim of the new organization is to “promote, protect and represent the interests of their players and to protect the future of tennis,” said a letter sent to the players on Monday and the New York Times “as well as the AP news agency.
