"I was looking forward to join Roger and Rafa" says Novak Djokovic on 1000th win

| by Balasz Virag

Novak Djokovic scored another victory to his resume at the 2022 Italian Open, defeating Casper Ruud and winning his 1000th career match.

Novak Djokovic defeated fifth-seeded Casper Ruud in the final of the 2022 Italian Open in Rome, after failing to reach the final in Madrid. The Serbian had yet to lose a set in the Italian city going into the match, and he retained his 'clean sheet' following the semifinal encounter as he reached his 1000th career win.

"Thanks to the tournament and the crowd for celebrating the milestone with me. I've seen Roger and Rafa celebrate those milestones in the last couple of years and I was looking forward to get to that 1,000 myself. I'm really, really blessed and privileged to have that many victories on the Tour. It's been a long time, ever since I won my first match on the Tour. Hopefully I can keep going and many more victories to come."

Novak Djokovic wins 1000th career match, moves to final in Rome
Novak Djokovic wins 1000th career match, moves to final in Rome

"I thought I played very well. Started fantastic, 4-0. Then I did slow down a bit. I did drop my level and I wasn't feeling that great on the court for about 15, 20 minutes. He used that, managed to get himself back in the first set. It was important to close it out in the 10th game, clinch the first set."

"Second set it was a close couple of games in the beginning, but I always felt like I was in his service games, always had chances. I felt I played really, really well in the first four games, the last four games of the match. Hopefully I can take that level into tomorrow's final."

"Another final against him at one of the biggest tournaments we have in the world. He's definitely in form. The last few years he's been [one of the] top two, three clay-court players. In general, top two, three in the world. But especially on the clay court, winning Monte Carlo, always reaching the final stages of the biggest events on clay. I can expect a big battle on the court, but I'm ready for it."

"One day, me and Rafa could play golf just as friends" says Novak Djokovic
"One day, me and Rafa could play golf just as friends" says Novak Djokovic

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