WATCH: Novak Djokovic applauds Andrey Rublev’s impressive cross-court backhand slice at the 2022 ATP Finals

Serbian legend Novak Djokovic is aiming for his sixth title in Turin among the 15 times he has qualified for the 2022 ATP Finals. He defeated Andrey Rublev in straight sets to register his second win in this year’s round-robin stage. But during the first set, the young Russian player hit an amazing backhand slice that left the Serb totally impressed.

The former World No 1 had a tough start to the year over his unvaccinated status. He was forced to skip two Grand Slam events of the year and all the matches in the North American swing. He has been remarkable with his performances as he managed to win two consecutive ATP titles in Tel Aviv and Astana. He even reached the finals of the Paris Masters but was defeated by young prodigy Holger Rune.

He defeated Rublev very comfortably within 68 minutes of play as Djokovic broke early in the game. He was the dominant player but both players played some amazing level of tennis. The score was 4-3 with the 21-time Grand Slam champion in the lead. On Rublev’s serve, there was a short rally between the players before the Russian hit an amazing backhand slice to win the point.

Novak Djokovic tried to respond to the slice shot but he slipped on the way which resulted in the point being in Rublev’s favor. But the shot selection by the mixed doubles Olympics gold medallist was a beauty to watch and even the Serb could not hold back from appreciating his effort. It was a treat to watch both players but unable to capitalize on the crucial points, Rublev ended up with a shocking defeat after an amazing win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in his first group stage match..

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Novak Djokovic looks forward to playing at the 2023 Australian Open as his three-year visa ban will be uplifted

The 2022 Wimbledon champion faced a major hurdle when he was denied to participate at the Australian Open over his unvaccinated status. He was deported and hence was slapped with a three-year visa ban which is part of the rules for a deported player in Australia. But after a long battle in the legal court and falling prey to the political agenda, he received a huge sigh of relief and will be back in Melbourne after two years.

Novak Djokovic admitted that it has been his most successful Grand Slam with lots of memories etched in his life. He further claimed that he looks forward to the new challenges but hopes to make it fruitful and will give his best to equal his records of most Grand Slam titles with Rafael Nadal.

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Also Read: Novak Djokovic relieved with the upliftment of his visa ban which will allow him to participate in his most successful Grand Slam

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