Italian Open 2020: Novak Djokovic one step away from 36th ATP master title, cruises ahead from semi-finals

Italian Open 2020: Novak Djokovic one step away from 36th ATP master title, cruises ahead from semi-finals

Tennis - ATP Masters 1000 - Italian Open - Foro Italico, Rome, Italy - September 16, 2020 Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action during his second round match against Italy's Salvatore Caruso Pool via REUTERS/Clive Brunskill

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic was put to a test in the semi-finals against Casper Rudd. The Serbian just saved himself from dropping the first set and went on to win in straight sets.

Novak is in 115th career final as he wins the semi final 7-5, 6-3 against a player in phenomenal form, Casper Rudd.

Novak Djokovic will eye his 36th ATP title

For the 10th time, Novak reached the Italian Open finals. Rudd was attempting to reach his third final in four clay events this year. The World No. 34 had a tour-leading 12 wins on the surface this year (12-3).

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Rudd was doing everything right but failed to convert two set points when at serve for the set at 5-4. Djokovic increased his aggression on his backhand side and landed a drop shot winner, a tactic he has used throughout the week, before earning his first break of the match. After breaking Rudd, Novak went ahead to hold his serve and seal the set 7-5.

The second set offered an early break to Djokovic who continued to serve with power to escape danger early in the second set and gained the first break at 3-2 with powerful groundstrokes. Novak had the momentum which helped him serve well and seal the set 6-3.

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