Novak Djokovic defeats Stefanos Tsitsipas in Astana Open final to win his 90th career ATP title
Posted at 16:24 on February 19, 2017 by John
Astana Arena, Astana
Novak Djokovic’s 2018 plans are already in full swing, and he’s already getting ready for what he’s calling “the most important part of my life”. The 20-time Grand Slam champion defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas on the final day at the opening singles of the season-ending, $5.5 million USD ATP Finals in Astana to win his ninth career ATP final. And he’s already looking forward to the next six months of tennis — which will take him through two more majors and several grand slam events.
“I want to enjoy all the tennis and the tennis events that they have in the coming months,” Djokovic told reporters after the final. “I want to enjoy my whole season and I would say all the months that I will be a part of.”
The big man has already played in two of the three most significant tournaments for players in the sport, winning a second-round match at the Indian Wells Masters in March. He won’t miss the US Open, however, as he’s playing at the Gerry Weber Open in Los Angeles from June 6-12, and he’s still in his offseason schedule. He then makes his second appearance at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park, which starts June 14.
The first Australian Open match of the year is Sunday, June 21 when he takes on Dominic Thiem in the men’s doubles bracket. On the women’s side, he’ll meet Simona Halep in the first round — and it’s an ominous sign of what’s on the horizon for one of the sport’s biggest stars.
“There will be some big events ahead, and some big matches,” Djokovic said in a recent interview. “But I must say that I’m doing the best I can here.”
