Novak Djokovic gets bagelled for 5th time in a tournament final in Serbia Open loss to Andrey Rublev
Novak Djokovic endured only the 12th bagel of his illustrious career in his 6-2, 6-7(4), 6-0 defeat to Russia's Andrey Rublev in the Serbia Open final on Sunday.
The World No. 1 dropped the opening set for the fourth time in as many matches in the Serbian capital as the in-form Rublev drew first blood. The 24-year-old then saved five set points in the second set but couldn't prevent Djokovic from restoring parity by taking the ensuing tie-break.
However, Rublev soon regrouped, romping past the finish line in a flourish as Djokovic ran out of steam, failing to win a game in the decider. It marked the fifth time the Serb failed to win a set in a tournament final.
Here is a list of the times Djokovic has been bagelled over the course of his career (via @vanshv2k on Twitter):
Novak Djokovic has been Bagelled 12 times in his career. 5 of them have been in finals (4 of them in Clay Court Finals). https://t.co/HQiJlsBp3Q
After winning his third title of the season, Rublev spoke glowingly about Djokovic and the fans in the stadium during the trophy presentation.
“It is big to play against you and share the court for the second time. I hope we have more battles. I feel so great here, it is a very nice city. It feels really special. I want to say a big thanks to all the spectators for supporting all the players all week. To see full crowds again is special for all of us.”
Novak Djokovic's Serbia Open campaign ends in disappointment
With only four matches under his belt coming into Belgrade, Novak Djokovic expectedly struggled to get going in the Serbian capital.
In his tournament opener against Laslo Djere, the World No. 1 came within two points of defeat in the second set tie-break. Djere was again in the ascendancy in the decider, but untimely forehand errors allowed his illustrious opponent to get out of jail.
It was much of the same for Djokovic in the quarterfinals against Miomir Kecmanovic. The 34-year-old eventually pulled through in three sets to book his place in the last four.
Djokovic played arguably his best match of the week against Karen Khachanov in the semis. After dropping the first set, the Serb conceded only three games in the remainder of the match to storm into the final.
However, he met his match against Rublev in the title match.
Eleven La Vida Loca! 💃
The moment @AndreyRublev97 overcame Djokovic for the very first time to win the 2022 Serbia Open...
#SerbiaOpen https://t.co/9evKLyNfLD
Although he forced a third set, Rublev's superior rhythm and match fitness came to the fore a he cruised to victory in the end.
Djokovic will now shift his focus to the Madrid Open, which begins next month.