Novak Djokovic was a player on the mission in Toronto 2016, seeking his 30th Masters 1000 title. Novak went all the way, securing the milestone title before Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Djokovic ousted Gilles Muller, Radek Stepanek, Tomas Berdych and Gael Monfils to advance into the title clash, his eighth of the season.
Djokovic bounced back following an early Wimbledon loss and set the final meeting with Kei Nishikori. Novak earned a 6-3, 7-5 triumph in 83 minutes to lift the trophy and secure a notable milestone. The Serb delivered his 33rd hard-court win from 34 matches in 2016.
He played well in the opener and prevailed in the second set to celebrate his fourth Canada Open crown. Djokovic toppled Nishikori for the ninth consecutive time following that shocking 2014 US Open semi-final loss. The Serb served at 76% and faced two break points in the second set’s sixth game when Kei pulled the break back.
Novak Djokovic became the first player with 30 Masters 1000 titles.
Apart from that, the Japanese had no return chances, playing under pressure in his service games.
Kei could not endure it, as Novak outplayed him from the baseline, especially in the first set. Nishikori improved his second serve in the second set and stayed in the rallies, only to lose ground in the pivotal moments. Novak produced out-of-this-world tennis in the opening set.
He served at 85% and displayed some sublime shots that left Kei powerless. Djokovic won the first ten points in his games as an excellent omen of his overall performance. Nishikori stayed in touch before Djokovic broke at 15 in game six for a 4-2 lead.
The Serb served well in the remaining games and claimed the opener 6-3. The second set started with an early break for Novak at 1-1.At that moment, there were slim chances that the match would go on for too long, as he was too good.
Suddenly, Nishikori raised his level, starting playing much better. He took 12 of the following 14 points to get in front for the first time at 4-3. Djokovic could not maintain his level from the first set and a half, which was expected.
He made more errors, and Nishikori finally got some breathing space. Djokovic served to stay in the set while trailing 5-4 and did it in style with a love service game, shifting the pressure to the other side. Kei had two game points for a 6-5 lead.
Novak fended them off and converted his first break chance to move in front. The Serb served for the victory in game 12 and seized the third match points to emerge at the top, putting his name on the record books as the first player with 30 Masters 1000 trophies.
