The world's top-ranked player, Novak Djokovic, claimed the Japan Open title this Sunday, effectively putting to rest any worries regarding the shoulder injury that forced him out of the US Open. In a commanding performance, the Serb defeated Australian qualifier John Millman 6-3, 6-2. For Djokovic, who has 16 Grand Slams to his name, this was the 10th time in his storied career that he won a title the first time he entered a competition's main draw.
On Sunday, World No.1 clinched the Japan Open title, Novak Djokovic removing concerns of his shoulder the injury that made him pull out from the US Open. The Serb crushed Australian qualifier John Millman 6-3, 6-2, to mark his 10th win in a competition main draw debut in his eminent career, which includes 16 Grand Slams.
Playing in Japan for the first time, Djokovic was the class of the field all week, winning the championship without losing a single set. This event marked his return to form after his left shoulder injury led to his US Open withdrawal. He looked invincible throughout the tournament, ultimately needing just over an hour to brush aside Millman in a dominant final performance.
This win represents Djokovic's fourth trophy of the current season and the 76th of his professional career. He began the week by participating in a doubles match to find his rhythm, and his game only sharpened from there, leaving opponents like David Goffin (ranked 15th) with no answers.
During the final match, Djokovic established an early 3-1 lead in the first set, utilizing a combination of thunderous serves and pinpoint returns that forced Millman to scramble across the baseline.
Djokovic's precision was on full display as he fired six aces without committing a single double fault, winning points on 26 of his 30 first serves. While the World No. 1 never faced a single break point, Millman struggled, managing to save only one of the four break opportunities Djokovic created.