Novak Djokovic claimed the 90th title of his career and the fourth of 2022 with a dominant straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the ATP final in Astana on Sunday.

The 35-year-old Djokovic triumphed 6-3, 6-4 in 75 minutes to add to the trophies he won this season in Israel, Rome and at Wimbledon. It was the ninth consecutive match victory for the fourth seed, who guaranteed himself a spot at the 2022 ATP Finals as a result of the win.

"I dared to dream, actually," Djokovic replied when asked if he had ever imagined he would win 90 titles.&nbsp;

"I always hoped that I would be going to have a great career. Obviously, didn't know the amount of finals I was going to play, the amount of tournaments I was going to win, but my intention was always to reach the highest heights in our sport."

The Serb won in Tel Aviv a week ago, his first singles tournament since wrapping up a seventh Wimbledon crown and 21st Grand Slam title in July. He was banned from the US Open and the entire North American hard court swing over his refusal to be vaccinated before returning for Roger Federer's farewell in the Laver Cup team event in London last month.

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His time away had increased his motivation, he agreed. "Well, it did," Djokovic said. "I could not ask for a better re-start of the season. I'm super-pumped and motivated to end the season as well as I have done these past couple of weeks."

For third-seeded Tsitsipas, who had been bidding for a tenth career title, it was a ninth defeat in as many ATP Tour 500-level finals he has played in. Djokovic got off to a flying start, winning the first game at love in a little over one minute.

With Tsitsipas serving at 3-4, Djokovic took the only break point of the first set. Djokovic earned another break in the fifth game of the second set when a Tsitsipas drop shot fell into the net. The Serb converted his third match point with a backhand winner into an open court.

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"I'm just very grateful and blessed to be able to play this well at this stage of my life," Djokovic added.&nbsp;

"You know, 35 is not 25. But I think the experience, probably, in these kinds of matches and big occasions helps as well to approach mentally in the right way."

Djokovic leads Tsitsipas 8-2 in their meetings and has won the past seven clashes.

Novak Djokovic claimed the 90th title of his career and the fourth of 2022 with a dominant straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the ATP final in Astana on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic claimed the 90th title of his career and the fourth of 2022 with a dominant straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the ATP final in Astana on Sunday. The 35-year-old Djokovic triumphed 6-3, 6-4 in 75 minutes to add to the trophies he won this season in Israel, Rome and at Wimbledon. It was the ninth consecutive match victory for the fourth seed, who guaranteed himself a spot at the 2022 ATP Finals as a result of the win. "I dared to dream, actually," Djokovic replied when asked if he had ever imagined he would win 90 titles. "I always hoped that I would be going to have a great career. Obviously, didn't know the amount of finals I was going to play, the amount of tournaments I was going to win, but my intention was always to reach the highest heights in our sport." The Serb won in Tel Aviv a week ago, his first singles tournament since wrapping up a seventh Wimbledon crown and 21st Grand Slam title in July. He was banned from the US Open and the entire North American hard court swing over his refusal to be vaccinated before returning for Roger Federer's farewell in the Laver Cup team event in London last month. Also Read: Serbian scientists name beetle after country's tennis star Novak Djokovic His time away had increased his motivation, he agreed. "Well, it did," Djokovic said. "I could not ask for a better re-start of the season. I'm super-pumped and motivated to end the season as well as I have done these past couple of weeks." For third-seeded Tsitsipas, who had been bidding for a tenth career title, it was a ninth defeat in as many ATP Tour 500-level finals he has played in. Djokovic got off to a flying start, winning the first game at love in a little over one minute. With Tsitsipas serving at 3-4, Djokovic took the only break point of the first set. Djokovic earned another break in the fifth game of the second set when a Tsitsipas drop shot fell into the net. The Serb converted his third match point with a backhand winner into an open court. Also Read: I am so unhappy he didn’t score 3: Pep Guardiola reacts to Erling Haaland scoring only once vs Southampton "I'm just very grateful and blessed to be able to play this well at this stage of my life," Djokovic added. "You know, 35 is not 25. But I think the experience, probably, in these kinds of matches and big occasions helps as well to approach mentally in the right way." Djokovic leads Tsitsipas 8-2 in their meetings and has won the past seven clashes.

Novak Djokovic beats Stefanos Tsitsipas in Astana Open final to bag 90th career title

Novak Djokovic reached the final of the ATP tournament in Astana on Saturday as opponent Daniil Medvedev surprisingly retired at the end of the second set. With the score at 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), Medvedev called it quits before the deciding set, with even Djokovic initially appearing surprised.

"It's the second time in my life I retired like this with a pulled muscle," Medvedev said. "So here, on the second point of the tie-break, I felt a little bit (of a) strange pop in my adductor.

"I first thought maybe it is cramp and after the point I was like, 'No, probably not a cramp'.

"And during the tie-break, I felt I can play like five, 10 more points but that's it. If I play one more set, you can do it, but you can probably miss half a year instead of one month."

Djokovic will face Stefanos Tstisipas in Sunday's final as he bids for a 90th ATP title.

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The 21-time Grand Slam champion has won seven of his nine meetings with the Greek, including in last year's French Open final. Medvedev became the first player to take a set off Djokovic in a singles event since Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final.

Djokovic levelled a dramatic match, in which both players were near their very best, in a tense tie-break. But Medvedev signalled that he could not continue, sending Djokovic into his 128th ATP final.

"It was such a close match, particularly in the second set," added Djokovic of the battle between two former world number ones.

"I would probably say he was a better player on the court in both sets.

"I was fighting and trying to find a way. I found a way to win the second, but I'm just sad for the tournament and for these people who were enjoying the battle, and for Daniil, that it had to end this way."

Earlier, third seed Tsitsipas beat Andrey Rublev 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to reach his sixth final of the season.

"It was not easy, being a set down," said Tsitsipas. "To have to deal with a very good opponent on the other side of the net made it an extremely physical battle.

"I am pleased with myself for being so determined to make it work so well."

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A break in the opening game of the match proved enough to give fifth seed Rublev the first set. But Tsitsipas, who saved five of six break points in the match, improved as the tie went on and he made his move in the 10th game of the second set to force a decider.

The 24-year-old was rock solid again in the third, wrapping up victory after two hours and 10 minutes to take his head-to-head record against Rublev to 6-4.

"My mentality kind of changed," Tsitsipas added. "I played with more of an aggressive game style and didn't have anything by luck."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Novak Djokovic reached the final of the ATP tournament in Astana on Saturday as opponent Daniil Medvedev surprisingly retired at the end of the second set. With the score at 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), Medvedev called it quits before the deciding set, with even Djokovic initially appearing surprised.

Novak Djokovic reached the final of the ATP tournament in Astana on Saturday as opponent Daniil Medvedev surprisingly retired at the end of the second set. With the score at 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), Medvedev called it quits before the deciding set, with even Djokovic initially appearing surprised. "It's the second time in my life I retired like this with a pulled muscle," Medvedev said. "So here, on the second point of the tie-break, I felt a little bit (of a) strange pop in my adductor. "I first thought maybe it is cramp and after the point I was like, 'No, probably not a cramp'. "And during the tie-break, I felt I can play like five, 10 more points but that's it. If I play one more set, you can do it, but you can probably miss half a year instead of one month." Djokovic will face Stefanos Tstisipas in Sunday's final as he bids for a 90th ATP title. Also Read: NFL toughens concussion protocol in wake of Miami star Tua Tagovailoa's injury The 21-time Grand Slam champion has won seven of his nine meetings with the Greek, including in last year's French Open final. Medvedev became the first player to take a set off Djokovic in a singles event since Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final. Djokovic levelled a dramatic match, in which both players were near their very best, in a tense tie-break. But Medvedev signalled that he could not continue, sending Djokovic into his 128th ATP final. "It was such a close match, particularly in the second set," added Djokovic of the battle between two former world number ones. "I would probably say he was a better player on the court in both sets. "I was fighting and trying to find a way. I found a way to win the second, but I'm just sad for the tournament and for these people who were enjoying the battle, and for Daniil, that it had to end this way." Earlier, third seed Tsitsipas beat Andrey Rublev 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to reach his sixth final of the season. "It was not easy, being a set down," said Tsitsipas. "To have to deal with a very good opponent on the other side of the net made it an extremely physical battle. "I am pleased with myself for being so determined to make it work so well." Also Read: Novak Djokovic sets up Daniil Medvedev clash in Astana Open semi-finals A break in the opening game of the match proved enough to give fifth seed Rublev the first set. But Tsitsipas, who saved five of six break points in the match, improved as the tie went on and he made his move in the 10th game of the second set to force a decider. The 24-year-old was rock solid again in the third, wrapping up victory after two hours and 10 minutes to take his head-to-head record against Rublev to 6-4. "My mentality kind of changed," Tsitsipas added. "I played with more of an aggressive game style and didn't have anything by luck."

Novak Djokovic reaches Astana Open final after Daniil Medvedev retires in semis, on verge of 90th title

Novak Djokovic dominated Russian Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-3 to reach the Astana ATP semi-finals on Friday where he will face Daniil Medvedev.

"I didn't play as well from the baseline as I did in the first two matches, but still it was enough," said Djokovic.&nbsp;

"I managed to produce some good tennis when it was the most needed in both sets."

Facing the US Open semi-finalist, the Serb dropped serve for the first time this week but still has not lost a set since returning to the ATP Tour after a three-month break following his Wimbledon title.

He made his comeback at the Laver Cup team event in London before winning the Tel Aviv tournament last weekend for his 89th career crown.

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In the semi-finals, Djokovic will face world number four Medvedev, the man who ended his bid for a calendar Grand Slam in 2021 by winning the US Open.

"I always expect highs from myself," said 21-time Grand Slam title winner Djokovic.&nbsp;

"Hopefully I can elevate still the level of my game for tomorrow because it's going to be needed."

Medvedev made the last four by seeing off Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain 6-1, 6-1 to record his 40th win of 2022.&nbsp;Second seed Medvedev trails Djokovic 6-4 in career meetings.

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"I am really happy to play against Novak," Medvedev said.&nbsp;

"I thought about it before the match and we have only played one tournament together this year, which was Roland Garros. This is the second one and we meet again and I am really happy."

In Saturday's other semi-finals, Andrey Rublev, the fifth seed from Russia, will tackle Greek third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas. On Friday, Rublev defeated Adrian Mannarino 6-1, 6-2 while Tsitsipas saw off Hubert Hurkacz 7-6 (10/8), 6-3.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Novak Djokovic dominated Russian Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-3 to reach the Astana ATP semi-finals on Friday where he will face Daniil Medvedev. "I didn't play as well from the baseline as I did in the first two matches, but still it was enough," said Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic dominated Russian Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-3 to reach the Astana ATP semi-finals on Friday where he will face Daniil Medvedev. "I didn't play as well from the baseline as I did in the first two matches, but still it was enough," said Djokovic. "I managed to produce some good tennis when it was the most needed in both sets." Facing the US Open semi-finalist, the Serb dropped serve for the first time this week but still has not lost a set since returning to the ATP Tour after a three-month break following his Wimbledon title. He made his comeback at the Laver Cup team event in London before winning the Tel Aviv tournament last weekend for his 89th career crown. Also Read: Britain's teen star Emma Raducanu out of Transylvania Open due to wrist injury In the semi-finals, Djokovic will face world number four Medvedev, the man who ended his bid for a calendar Grand Slam in 2021 by winning the US Open. "I always expect highs from myself," said 21-time Grand Slam title winner Djokovic. "Hopefully I can elevate still the level of my game for tomorrow because it's going to be needed." Medvedev made the last four by seeing off Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain 6-1, 6-1 to record his 40th win of 2022. Second seed Medvedev trails Djokovic 6-4 in career meetings. Also Read: Wayne Rooney urges out-of-favour Cristiano Ronaldo to stay patient at Manchester United "I am really happy to play against Novak," Medvedev said. "I thought about it before the match and we have only played one tournament together this year, which was Roland Garros. This is the second one and we meet again and I am really happy." In Saturday's other semi-finals, Andrey Rublev, the fifth seed from Russia, will tackle Greek third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas. On Friday, Rublev defeated Adrian Mannarino 6-1, 6-2 while Tsitsipas saw off Hubert Hurkacz 7-6 (10/8), 6-3.

Novak Djokovic sets up Daniil Medvedev clash in Astana Open semi-finals

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Novak Djokovic beats Stefanos Tsitsipas in Astana Open final to bag 90th career title

Novak Djokovic reaches Astana Open final after Daniil Medvedev retires in semis, on verge of 90th title

Novak Djokovic sets up Daniil Medvedev clash in Astana Open semi-finals