Novak Djokovic Crushes Marin Cilic in 56 Minutes at the ATP Finals
The theme of the day at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals was certainly ‘breadsticks,’ as world No. 1 Novak Djokovic added to the already rapid day of tennis with his 56-minute demolition of Marin Cilic in Monday’s evening session.
Coming off a successful title defense at the Paris Bercy, Djokovic found his form early in the match, and maintained command en route to a 6-1, 6-1 victory over the reigning US Open champion. It was an impeccable showing from the Serb, and a disastrous display from the Croat.
While all their previous matches this season went to deciding sets, including a five-set marathon at Wimbledon, Djokovic took advantage of Cilic’s poor serving and timid shot making to pressure the Croat and force him around the court in awkward angles. The win advances his undefeated record against Cilic to 11-0.
“I felt that Novak played really, really solid today,” said Cilic. “I felt a little bit uncomfortable on the court, rusty… I felt that I was not hitting it clean. That’s always difficult, especially against Novak, to get away with a win when you’re not playing so good.”