Novak Djokovic wins Tel Aviv Watergen Open with straight sets victory over Marin Cilic

Novak Djokovic claims 89th tour title of his career – and third of the year so far – with straight sets victory over Marin Cilic in Tel Aviv Watergen Open as Serbian enjoys winning return to singles tennis after Wimbledon triumph 

• The Serbian eased to victory over Marin Cilic at the Tel Aviv Watergen Open
• Novak Djokovic was playing in his first tournament since his Wimbledon triumph 
• Victory in Israel ensured Djokovic of his third tour-level crown of the year 

By Pa Sport

Published: 18:58 EDT, 2 October 2022 | Updated: 18:58 EDT, 2 October 2022

Novak Djokovic cruised to his 89th tour title as he beat Marin Cilic in straight sets to win the Tel Aviv Watergen Open.

The 35-year-old, playing in his first singles tournament since winning Wimbledon in July, eased past second seed Cilic 6-3 6-4 to take his third tour-level crown of the year.

Top seed Djokovic went through the tournament without surrendering a single set to become the first man to win on hard, clay and grass courts this season.

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Novak Djokovic claimed his third tour title of the year with a straight sets victory in Tel Aviv

He told the ATP Tour’s official website: ‘My approach is to win tournaments wherever I am and I’m glad that I have a team of people around me that makes sure that I am in the best shape in order to be a contender to win titles.

‘That’s why I came to Israel, to try to win the title. First time playing here [since a] Davis Cup tie more than 15 years ago, so it was a really amazing experience.’

Djokovic was threatened only briefly as he served for the first set, producing back-to-back aces to deny Cilic the opportunity to break back.

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The Serbian defeated Marin Cilic to ensure he became the first man to win on all surfaces this season

The world number seven broke swiftly in the second too and pushed home the advantage to win the match in an hour and 35 minutes.

He added: ‘I played some very good tennis, I think. I [didn’t] drop a set the entire week. 

‘I hadn’t played a tournament in three months so it was really extra motivation for me to really do well, particularly because people have been so friendly and so supportive of me throughout the week. I’m taking some great confidence into next week as well.’