- World No 1 overcomes dropping first set to triumph 1-6, 6-4, 6-3
- Djokovic wins while storm builds around breakaway union plot
Novak Djokovic has considered walking away from tennis more than once. His detractors lately maybe wish he would go now. But we ought to be grateful this extraordinary champion changed his mind as long ago as 2010 and again in 2018, because, at 33, he is peerless, as Milos Raonic discovered in the final of the Western & Southern Open on Saturday.
The world No 1 stands alone and determined at the top of tennis, winning his second title albeit in New York not Cincinnati, his 35th Masters crown, his 80th career title, and seemingly undisturbed by the growing storm around his plot to form a breakaway union that would spread confusion and discord in the sport he loves.
Related: Dan Evans accuses rebels who want breakaway union of ‘horrible timing’
Related: Naomi Osaka forfeits Western & Southern Open final with injury
