Novak Djokovic beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 in a blockbuster final to win his fifth title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Tournament. Djokovic beat Tsitsipas for the third time in their five head-to-head matches and extended his winning streak to 21 consecutive matches. Djokovic broke three times and dropped his serve once.
Djokovic won the opening set 6-3 after 39 minutes with a single break in the eighth game. The 17-time Grand Slam champion held serve in the first game at deuce after a forehand error from Tsitsipas. The Greek player hit three winners to win his first game for 1-1.
Tsitsipas hit a forehand winner and an ace to draw level to 2-2. The 2019 ATP Finals champion and last year’s Dubai finalist earned his first break point in the fifth game at deuce after Djokovic made a forehand error on his serve. Djokovic saved it and held his serve to take a 3-2 lead after a forehand error from Tsitsipas.
Djokovic held his serve in the seventh game with a service winner before earning his first break point in the seventh game, when Tsitsipas sent a backhand wide. The 2020 Australian Open champion got the break with a backhand crosscourt passing shot winner in the eigth game to open up a 5-3 lead. Djokovic closed out the opening set on his first set point with a backhhand winner down the line in 39 minutes.
Tsitsipas won four consecutive points from 0-30 down to win the first game of the second set with a service winner. Djokovic held his serve at love in the second game to draw level to 1-1.
Tsitsipas held at serve in the third game with an unreturned serve. Djokovic held serve at 15 in the fourth game before breaking serve in the fifth game with a smash winner to take a 3-2 lead. Tsitsipas earned two break points in the sixth game and converted his first chance to get the break back drawing level to 3-3.
Tsitsipas hit a service winner to hold his serve at 30 in the seventh game for 4-3. Djokovic held serve at love to draw level to 4-4 before breaking serve at 15 with a cross-court drop shot to take a 5-4 lead earning a chance to serve for the match. Djokovic closed out the match with a hold at love thanks to a backhand down the line winner to win his fifth title in Dubai and his first since 2013.
Djokovic has won his third title this year after his triumphs at the inaugural edition of the ATP Cup and at the Australian Open. He has improved his record to 5-1 in the Dubai ATP 500 tournament.
“Every title is special. I have not participated in Dubai for four years. I missed playing here. I have been coming here on the way to Australia in the off-season spending two or three weeks using Dubai as a great base, fantastic weather, great conditions, very hospitable people. My kids enjoy it. My wife enjoys it. My parents, everyone does. It’s a thrill to be part of the tournament once again and of course winning is extra special”, said Djokovic.
Tsitsipas was bidding to win his second consecutive title after winning in Marseille last week and his first trophy in Dubai one year after finishing runner-up to Roger Federer in 2019.
“It’s disappointing trying so hard and not really getting the final result that you want. I would love to see myself holding that trophy. He gave more than me and he deserves it”, said Tsitsipas.