Djokovic completes Canadian hat-trick

TORONTO (AFP) –

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns a shot during his Rogers Cup final against Frenchman Richard Gasquet in Toronto on August 12. Djokovic completed a trophy hat-trick in Canada as he won the ATP Masters 1000 event with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Gasquet.

Novak Djokovic completed a trophy hat-trick in Canada as he won the ATP Masters 1000 event with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Frenchman Richard Gasquet.

The title was the first for the world number two since Miami more than four months ago and marked the third of a subdued season for the former number one Australian Open champion.

Djokovic and Gasquet went on court in the evening Sunday so as not to conflict with the London Olympic closing ceremonies.

“This match was exceptional today, it’s been a long week, a tough week,” said Djokovic, “especially for players coming from the Olympics. But I’m glad I came here.

“I knew it would be almost impossible to repeat my 2011 season (70-11 record), it would be a huge challenge, But I know that I’m playing well. I trust in my abilities and in my game.

“There will always be ups and downs but I’m playing with confidence right now.”

France’s Richard Gasquet during his Rogers Cup final against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic on August 12. “It was a tough match, and against a guy like Djokovic if you are not playing your best you have no chance,” said Gasquet.

The win was the seventh of eight for the Serb over Gasquet, who lost the 2006 final at the tournament to Roger Federer in Toronto.

“It was a tough match, and against a guy like Djokovic if you are not playing your best you have no chance,” said Gasquet.

“I had a very bad game at 4-3, and it made the difference. My confidence level was down. When you are losing with a guy like him, it’s very difficult to come back.

“For sure I want to play better, but I tried my best. When you play Novak, he has a very good level, so it’s very tough to play against him.

“I’m moving back to the top 15 and my goal is to return to the top 20. I was there some years ago and I want to return.”

Djokovic has now won 31 career titles from 48 finals and has won a dozen of those at the elite Masters 1000 level.

He also won the Canadian event in 2007 and 2011 when it was played in Montreal in an alternating arrangement.

The win tightens the race for the world number one ranking as Djokovic tries to claim the honour back from Roger Federer.

“I’m only thinking about winning this event now, I also want to do well next week (Cincinnati Masters) and hopefully win the US open again,” said Djokovic, who saved three break points in the opening game but was never again threatened in his 61-minute victory.