Rising to Glory: Novak Djokovic's First ATP Title Triumph

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Novak Djokovic lifted his first ATP title on July 23, 2006, in Amersfoort. The 19-year-old faced a former champion Nicolas Massu in the title clash and prevailed 7-6, 6-4 in two hours and 19 minutes for his first out of many ATP titles. The Serb was one of the upcoming youngsters to watch at the beginning of 2006. However, outside two notable results in February at indoor events, Novak struggled to find the best form and make faster progress through the ATP list. Djokovic claimed just two wins in the ATP events between Rotterdam and Roland Garros, changing that in Paris and reaching his first Major quarter-final. Djokovic fought well against the defending champion Rafael Nadal before retiring after the second set. Following the Wimbledon fourth round, the 19-year-old Serb returned to clay in Amersfoort and played great tennis to reach the final. Djokovic ousted Boris Pashanski, Tomas Zib, Marc Gicquel and Guillermo Coria en route to the title match, the first in a career.

Novak took down Nicolas after a fantastic fight to conquer his first ATP crown and enter the top-30. Almost nothing separated Djokovic and Massu. However, the youngster had a clear edge in the longest points to create the crucial gap. Novak repelled two out of four break points and converted three out of ten return chances to overpower the more experienced rival in straight sets. Both players struggled to find the first serve, and Novak drew more from his initial shot, with a similar performance on the second serve. Djokovic made a good start and converted the fourth break point in game two when Massu missed a forehand for an instant advantage. A backhand down the line winner sent Novak 3-0 in front, and he held in game five to move 4-1 up. Massu was back on the positive side of the scoreboard after a forehand winner in game seven, holding at 15 with an ace in the next one to level the score at 4-4 and gain momentum after a slow start.

Novak Djokovic claimed his first ATP titles 17 years ago in Amersfoort.

In those moments, Djokovic lost the ground a bit, facing two break points in the ninth game. The young gun fended them off for an essential hold after another unreturned serve that pushed him ahead, forcing Massu to serve to stay in the set. The Chilean won that game and saved a break point with a volley winner at 5-6 to set up a tie break, giving his best to match the pace of the young opponent. Djokovic recovered from a 3-0 deficit and grabbed the breaker 7-5 after over 80 minutes of exhausting tennis, hoping for a similar outcome in set number two. Carried by this boost, the youngster earned a break at the beginning of the second set and moved closer to the finish line. However, his advantage was short-lived, netting a backhand in the next game to bring Massu back to business. After commanding holds on both sides, Novak broke again for a 4-3 advantage. A service winner in the next game pushed him closer to the finish line, with Nicolas serving to stay in the match. The Chilean saved match points to reduce the deficit to 5-4 and prolong the encounter. The Serb served for the title in game ten and sealed the deal after the rival's forehand error, starting a massive celebration with his coach Marian Vajda and girlfriend, Jelena. 

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/Jdfpwh1

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