Novak Djokovic turned the fifth man in ATP historical past to achieve 1000 match wins on Saturday, defeating Casper Ruud within the semifinals of the Italian Open. With the 6-4, 6-3 victory, the World No. 1 joined the likes of Jimmy Connors (1,274 wins), Roger Federer (1,251 wins), Ivan Lendl (1,068 wins) and Rafael Nadal (1,051 wins).
Among the many many messages of congratulations that poured in for the Serb from followers and fellow professionals on social media, one explicit message stood out from the remainder — from his spouse Jelena Djokovic.
As quickly because the 20-time Grand Slam champion raised his arms in exultation after the straight-sets triumph, Jelena took to Twitter to rejoice alongside her husband. She threw within the phrase “Idemo” (that means “Let’s go” in English), a phrase that has change into more and more fashionable among the many World No. 1’s fan base, to reward him on his landmark achievement.
“Idemoooooooo 1000! bravoooooooooo! yeeeessss!!!” she posted on Twitter.
Novak Djokovic takes on Stefanos Tsitsipas within the ultimate of the Italian Open
Following his victory over Casper Ruud, Novak Djokovic will tackle Stefanos Tsitsipas within the ultimate of the 2022 Italian Open. The Greek bested Alexander Zverev in an in depth three-setter in his semi-final encounter to arrange a ninth assembly with the 34-year-old.
The World No. 1 at the moment leads their head-to-head 6-2 and has received every of their final 5 meet-ups. The duo have confronted one another 4 occasions on clay earlier than, with all 4 fixtures getting in favor of the Serb.
Barring their 2019 Madrid Open encounter, all different clay conferences (2020 and 2021 Roland Garros, 2021 Italian Open) have gone to the decider. It’s anticipated to be a really shut contest, however the 20-time Grand Slam champion will probably be a slight favourite due to simply how properly he has performed this week.
Whereas Tsitsipas will probably be trying to win his second title of the 12 months (and maiden Rome title), following his title protection on the Monte-Carlo Masters final month, the World No. 1 will probably be on the hunt for his first trophy of the 12 months (and sixth Rome title).
A win for the World No. 5 on Sunday will make sure that he leads the Race to Turin heading into the French Open, the second consecutive 12 months he has achieved so. In the meantime, Djokovic may rise to as excessive as No. 10 within the Race, simply behind Ruud and forward of Denis Shapovalov.
Along with that, the Serb may prolong his lead over Rafael Nadal within the Masters 1000 title class with a win in opposition to Tsitsipas. The 34-year-old has 37 titles to his identify in the intervening time, yet another than the Spaniard’s haul of 36.