Novak Djokovic Wins Western & Southern Open and Makes History

As Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer entered the court for the Western & Southern Open final, it was a moment Djokovic was waiting for. All he had to do was win, and he would enter the history books, and win he did in back-to-back sets.

Djokovic celebrated by giving his racket to one fan in the stands and then tossed his sweatband to the stands as well after he secured his long-awaited victory and with it became one of only a few to have won all nine Masters 1000 tournaments. The final was all but a re-match for the two, one that Djokovic lost at their first pairing. Federer failed to be much of a challenge for Djokovic who won 6-4, 6-4 to secure his first championship win at the Western & Southern Open.

The two had not played against each other over the last two years. This related to both suffering various injuries, Federer a seven-time winning at the Western & Southern Open was not in form, and that gave Djokovic the chance. As the two stood on the court after the match, Djokovic looked at Federer and jokingly said,

“Thank you for letting me win once in Cincinnati.”

Djokovic has made it to the finals five times in the past and failed to win the championship, three of those were lost to Federer, and as the last point was registered, Djokovic leapt into the air raising his fist in celebration. This makes him the first since 1990 to have won all nine Masters 1000 tournaments with the ATP.

I’m proud to share this trophy with #TeamDjokovic and #NoleFam. Thank you God. Thank you Angels for guiding me through this wonderful journey of Life. I feel your presence in everything and I am eternally grateful 🙏❤🙌 https://t.co/NBMXERNkcs#CincyTennis #GoldenMasters pic.twitter.com/Sv9Ng6qqOd

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 20, 2018

In post-match interviews, Federer commented stating,

“That’s what the headline should be about — this is such an amazing accomplishment. He’s the first to do it. I think it’s very difficult to win Masters 1000s. These performances don’t come easy.”

To date, Djokovic is slightly ahead in matches than Federer and in Grand Slam tournaments, he is 3-1 and has won 12 times versus Federer’s six when playing championship matches. This includes the U.S Open and Wimbledon.

After suffering a serious elbow injury, Djokovic had a long road to coming back to his previous levels and did so in classic fashion after winning at Wimbledon, his fourth title at the esteemed tournament. There is little doubt he has accomplished that recovery playing some of his best tennis this week in Cincinnati.

All week Federer had a serve that seemed untouchable for those he faced, dropping opponent after opponent. The two went match for match until Djokovic went ahead 4-3 in a match that saw Federer uttering angrily. Djokovic continued to apply pressure and won the first set 6-4.

The second set seemed almost a repeat trading breaks back and forth until Djokovic broke Federer in the seventh game and once again, didn’t look back winning the set 6-4. The ATP Tour now moves on to the Winston-Salem Open at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. However, for tennis punters wanting to follow Djokovic and place bets, he will next play at the 2018 U.S Open, and getting in bets early will give you the best odds with our recommended Canadian sports betting sites such as 888Sport. Register today and claim their sign-up offer that will top off your first deposit up to $250.