'Emotional' Novak Djokovic battles past Roman Safiullin to reach Tel Aviv Open final in ATP Tour return

Top seed Novak Djokovic battled into the final of the Tel Aviv Open with a straight-sets win over Roman Safiullin on Saturday. The Serbian, who is competing in his first individual ATP tournament since winning Wimbledon in July, claimed a 6-1 7-6 (7-3) victory over the world No. 104.

Ad He will meet Marin Cilic or Constant Lestienne for the crown on Sunday. ATP Tel AvivDjokovic battles past 'best friend' Pospisil in Tel Aviv Open quarter-finalsYESTERDAY AT 18:20 “I think it was a very competitive match, especially in the second set,” said Djokovic. “I must say I was quite emotional on the court today in the second set, there was a lot of tension, and that was also due to his aggressive style of tennis.

“Big serves, and when he has time, he’s so solid from the forehand and backhand corner.” Djokovic was unable to compete at the US Open in September due to his vaccination status, and his only competitive appearance since Wimbledon was for Team Europe in the Laver Cup last week, when he beat Francis Tiafoe but lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime. Djokovic battles past 'best friend' Pospisil in Tel Aviv Open quarter-finals Highlights: Djokovic into Tel Aviv Open semis after straight sets win over Pospisil Alcaraz and Nadal make history with Spaniards set to take top two ranking spots The 35-year-old, who is aiming to win his third tour-level title of 2022, got off to a perfect start as he blew away Safiullin in the first set, dropping just three points on serve and losing one game. But the Russian improved in the second and managed to break Djokovic when the world No.