Novak Djokovic eases past Ruud for 1000th career win

Novak Djokovic defeated Casper Ruud 6-4 6-3 in the Rome Masters semifinal to advance to the final and the win gives him 1000 career wins.

He joins a sensational list of tennis legends with at least 1000 career wins being the 3rd of the big three to do after Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The win comes in a week where Djokovic is finally showing some of the best tennis he can play although his peak is still slightly higher. He aims to achieve it at the French Open and he is close to doing so.

He played in the Rome final last year and he will play this year as well. It won't be Rafael Nadal but Stefanos Tsitsipas whom Djokovic bested here last year. This match was a solid one from Djokovic as Ruud simply did not have a chance. He did not play his best as his serve did not give him too many free points. There is a chance this match might have been more competitive during the day but at night, not so much.

Djokovic was up big in the first set but allowed himself a lapse in focus that got Ruud within 5-4. Djokovic consolidated on time to win it 6-4 and being quite happy about it. He then proceeded to win the 2nd set with 6-3 breaking Ruud twice. Ruud had a superb response on the net saying he was glad to be a small part of history. Djokovic now has 1000 career wins.