TENNIS – Everything appeared to be easy for Novak Djokovic. He brushed aside Gasquet 6-3 6-2 in the final of the Rogers Cup in Toronto. The Frenchman held on for the first seven games, but then the Serb took control of the match. From Toronto F.Sarzetto, translated by P.Sassoon

Djokovic d Gasquet 6-3 6-2

The weather on Sunday in Toronto was much better than in the last few days and the stadium was completely sold out and full to the brim with several Serbian flags popping up in the stands. The atmosphere was very festive for a match with a pretty predictable outcome, considering the players involved.

Yet the first few games of the final suggested that the predictions of a Serb easy win were not as accurate as initially thought. In the first game Nole fell behind 0-40, but he recovered winning five consecutive points. Both players held serve without trouble until the seventh game. Djokovic served with the score at 3-3, 0-15 and managed to win the next 12 points turning the final in his favour. The second of the 12 points was probably the turning point of the match, it was an exciting exchange with attacks, desperate recoveries, volleys, lobs and a smash. When the former world number one conquered the point he showed all of his fighting spirit with a fist pump. The Serb broke serve to love in the ninth game and served out the set ending it with a second serve ace.

The first set ending was a big blow for Gasquet. The Frenchman then lost his serve in the opening game of the second set with a double fault. Ahead 2-1 Nole conceded the only break point of the set, but he increased the intensity and rhythm of the rallies to pull himself out of trouble. The stadium exploded in a loud cheer when Djokovic broke serve for a second time in the fifth game, ending a tough rally with an off-forehand that landed on the line. The final game was just a formality and Novak Djokovic won his third title of the season, after one hour and one minute of play.

“It was a tough match. It’s a big tournament. I felt a little bit more pressure.” Gasquet later told reporters. “It's tough when you have Djokovic in front of you and you are not playing your best tennis. It's very difficult. He's going all the time with his backhand very early, so he's an incredible player. He played much better than me for sure.”

“I truly did not expect myself to win this tournament after the emotional losses in the Olympic Games.” said the Serb after the match. “I really took it hard. I tried to bounce back and recover; I've done great, I have to say.”

Francesca Sarzetto