This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
Novak Djokovic, the world's top-ranked tennis player, has won the Japan Open, his 10th victory in a tournament main draw debut. The Serbian star defeated Australian qualifier John Millman 6-3, 6-2 in the final on October 6, 2019, at the Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo.
Playing in his first Japanese competition, Djokovic dominated throughout the week, never losing a single set to claim the trophy. The 16-time Grand Slam winner now heads to the Shanghai Masters, where he is the top seed.
"I didn't drop a set, so I played a fantastic tournament. Everything is positive in my experience on and off the court, the way I feel and motivated for Shanghai, going there with great confidence," Djokovic said.
He added, "I am hoping I can finish the season in this style," referring to his first win since pulling out of the US Open due to a left shoulder injury.
The triumph in Tokyo has boosted Djokovic's confidence going into the Olympics, which will be held at the same venue in 2020. "Considering that Olympic Games are high always on my list of goals and priorities and wishes, I wanted to feel the surface and see and experience how it feels playing on this court," Djokovic said.
