After reaching the title clash in 2008, Novak Djokovic was among the players to beat in Cincinnati again a year later. The Serb faced Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on his way to the title, and he overcame the first hurdle in style after defeating the Spaniard 6-1, 6-4 in the semi-final in one hour and 32 minutes.
Novak defeated Nadal for the fifth time in 19 meetings to advance to the 10th Masters 1000 final and set up the title clash against Federer a day later. Playing only the second tournament after Roland Garros and tendinitis in both knees, Nadal beat three rivals to enter the last four.
However, he didn’t stand a chance against Djokovic, as the Serb had the advantage on serve and return from start to finish. Novak fired 21 winners and took 15 more points than Rafa, defending the only break point he faced and stealing three times for a place in the final.
The Serb built the crucial advantage in the shortest range up to four shots, and outplayed the Spaniard to end the losing streak against one of the biggest rivals. Novak broke in the fourth game of the first set with a backhand crosscourt and fired one from his forehand wing a few minutes later to confirm the lead and advance 4-1.
Nadal missed a backhand in game six, and Djokovic clinched the first set with a service winner shortly after. Rafa saved three break chances early in the second set and closed it out with an ace to end his downfall. The Spaniard served in the fourth game and missed a backhand to break and push the Serb 3-2 in front.
Djokovic declared a statement of intent
Novak Djokovic declared a statement of intent, expressing that he still has a lot to achieve as a tennis player. “I still have things to do here in this sport,” Djokovic said.
“I believe I can win more Slams and I can break the record for longest No. 1. Those are definitely my clear goals.” While he clearly expressed his future goals in the sport, the Serbian player went on to clarify that there are other things that motivate him as well in life.
“At the same time, they are not the only things that motivate me. On a daily basis, it’s not sustainable, it doesn’t fuel me every day. What fuels me every day is something that is more related to my growth, personally,” the Belgrade native further said to Bensinger.
