It was not necessary to bury it too quickly: Novak Djokovic will arrive in a few days as a big favorite at Roland-Garros (May 22-June 5) even if the threat Carlos Alcaraz will be important for him. The Serb, who has not lost a single set in a week, won the Rome tournament on May 15 by beating the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final in two sets (6-0, 7-6 (7/5) .
This is the sixth time in his career that Djokovic has triumphed in the eternal city. It is also his 38th victory in a Masters 1000 he who in the week in the semi-finals reached the staggering figure of 100° victory on his record. It is therefore at this precise moment at 1001 successes. “If I could have chosen a place to celebrate this 1000th victory, it would have been in Serbia or here, said the Serb before the final. In recent years, I had seen Roger (Federer) and Rafa (Rafael Nadal) reach this milestone and I was looking forward to reaching this 1000th victory as well. It’s an honor. It’s been a long time since I won my first match on the circuit, I hope to continue! »
By succeeding on the list of winners to Rafael Nadal, emperor with ten Roman coronations eliminated in the eighth, the 34-year-old Serb won his first title of the year, confirming his return to great shape after a first quarter almost at a standstill due to his non-vaccination against Covid. Beaten in Barcelona and at home in Serbia to start the clay-court season, Novak Djokovic is gaining momentum after such an upset start to the year. “Frankly, I knew what to expect in this final, said hot world number 1. I had a perfect first set, there is no doubt. The second was more difficult and I thought I would leave in a third set but I managed to come back. Two days ago, I had already played very well. My level of play has risen. I know my best form on earth comes after a few tournaments and in Rome it was wonderful. In a few days, Novak Djokovic will land in Paris. If Nadal has health concerns, he is in great shape. He is the favorite at his own Porte d’Auteuil estate. If there was any doubt, Rome may have removed it.
