Novak Djokovic reveals how he was helped by Stefanos Tsitsipas win over Rafael Nadal
NOVAK DJOKOVIC says his win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Madrid Open final was aided by the Greek's gruelling semi-final match over Rafael Nadal.
Tsitsipas played Nadal in the second semi-final of the day in the evening and needed two hours and 34 minutes to overcome the clay court legend.
And the effort taken to win that match was evident as Tsitsipas struggled to keep up with Djokovic.
The world No 1 took full advantage of Tsitsipas’ tired legs, dragging him all over the court.
And Djokovic said Tsitsipas’ fatigue went him in the final.
"Obviously I needed to step in. He's very talented,” Djokovic said.
“He beat Rafa yesterday and I think they finished the match around midnight. He had a very late night.
“I could see he wasn't as dynamic in his movements as he was last night.
“That's probably due to the long match he had. But he's had a terrific week and it's a big win obviously for me today and in this tournament.
“I’m really looking forward to continuing this streak in Rome."
Victory for Djokovic was his 33 ATP Masters 1000 title, the 74th of his career and won without dropping a set.
And the Serbian says he is delighted with how he is playing right now.
“I’m very pleased,” Djokovic said. “I was saying after yesterday's semi-final win that it was a very, very important win for me for my confidence.
“I wasn't playing my best tennis after Australia so I was looking to regain the momentum this week. I started off well.
“I didn't drop a set the entire tournament, so I'm very pleased. I played some of my best tennis here."