With this victory, Djokovic kept writing against Norrie: There are five triumphs in five clashes in the circuit. Current number 6 of the world, the Serbian seeks the 100th career trophy in its 144th final. Only Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) have hit or overcome this brand to this day.
With six acesss and only two unfeigned errors, Djokovic was practically impeccable in the loot – lost only two points in his service games throughout the first set. The match started balanced, with both players drawing well and confirming with peace of mind. The exception came in the seventh game, when Djokovic increased the intensity in returns, pressed the British and won the only break in partial.
The technical level was high. Norrie also had good times, with nine winning balls, but the balance was broken by the consistency of Djokovic, who knew how to explore the right moments to take control and close by 6/4. The fifth game was the most disputed of the set, with long exchanges and tactical variation on both sides, but otherwise the sakers dominated the actions.
The second set was quite different from the first. Norrie took control of the match and imposed her rhythm in the first games. With a break in the room and confirming the withdrawal in the sequence, the Briton opened 4/1, taking Djokovic from the comfort he had shown so far. The world’s number 6 began to show impatience, with gestures of frustration and specific complaints in the face of their own mistakes.
Still, the Serba did not deliver easily. He tried bolder moves, bet on climbs and, even pressed, used the whole experience to balance the partial. He managed to return the break and took the set to the tiebreak. Djokovic even had the opportunity to close the game with 6/5, but Norrie reacted with courage and won the dispute by 8/6, forcing the third set. The balance was also reflected in the statistics: Djoko ended the partial with 16 winning balls against 13 of the opponent.
