Cincinnati Masters: Novak Djokovic Wins Record-Equalling 35th ATP Masters 1000 Title

Novak Djokovic has clinched the Western & Southern Open tournament title after routing Milos Raonic in a hard-final to claim the title for the second time. It will be the Serb's third major titles this year since the season was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.   

The world number one survived an early scare from the Canadian who forced him to drop the opening set before he rallied and outclassed his opponent in three sets, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, extending his unbeaten run this season by 23-0. 

Raonic was set to end his winning-drought against the top seed (10-0) after brilliantly outclassing in him in the opener that lasted for 31 minutes, victory began to slip off his reach in the second despite Djokovic struggling with neck and stomach injuries. 

"Tough match yesterday, three hours," he said recalling the semi-final match against Roberto Bautista-Agut. "I would like to take this opportunity to say hello to all the Cincinnati fans and tennis fans around the world. We miss you guys."

Djokovic returned to Cincinnati Masters for the second title on his eighth final match appearance at the tournament. Two years ago, he become the first player to win a Golden Masters having won at all nine ATP Masters 1000 events. 

Today, he equaled the previous record set for the biggest all-time ATP Masters 1000 winner by Raphael Nadal (35) by winning his 35th.