Novak Djokovic storms into Tel Aviv Open final with impressive win over Roman Safiullin

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Novak Djokoic progressed into the final of the Tel Aviv Open with an impressive win over Roman Safiullin. The Serbian came through a challenging second set to make his third final of the year with a commanding 6-1, 7-6 (7-3) victory over the Russian. The former world number one flew out of the blocks and within the blink of an eye, he was leading the first set 4-0. His Russian opponent, facing the tennis legend for the first time, felt the pressure as he seemed to be rushing his shots and tried to end the points rather swiftly. To have any chance of defeating Djokovic, it is critical that opponents try to take his time away and not allow him to settle. However, this approach resulted in 13 unforced errors for the 25-year-old, compared to just three from the world number six, who wrapped up the first set 6-1 in under half an hour. Despite making 79% of his first serves, Safiullin won just over 50% of his first serves and a lowly 17% off his second delivery, which are poor stats against anyone let alone one of the greatest of all time. To his credit, the world number 104 won the opening game of the second set with a sweet volley to finish the game. JUST IN: Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev handed tough Astana Open draw which favours Alcaraz

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