2012 Toronto Masters: Djokovic Defends TItle

Novak Djokovic won his first title in over 4 months by beating Richard Gasquet 6-3 6-2 in just over an hour in the men's final of the Rogers Cup, also known as the 2012 Toronto Masters. Djokovic was the defending champion and needed to win the title to remain within striking distance of the #1 ATP Tour ranking currently occupied by Roger Federer.

The match was a suspense-free affair with the Serb breaking the Frenchman's serve effortlessly in the 8th game of the match to go up 5-3 and serve out the first set. He then also broke the very first game of the second set and held easily, ending any lingering doubts about the result of the match. Gasquet seemed happy to be back in the finals of such a high-level event and although his backhand was a still a thing of beauty to behold, once Djokovic cranked up the speed of his groundstrokes Gasquet was simply unable to keep up and quickly succumbed.

It was Djokovic's 12th ATP Masters series shield, and only the second one he was able to defend from the record 5 shields he won in 2011 (Indian Wells, Miami, Rome, Madrid and Montreal). Four months ago he had defended his title in Miami by defeating Andy Murray. He is now 4th in the list of players with ATP Masters titles, behind Rafael Nadal (21), Federer (20) and Andre gassi (19).  It was also Djokovic's 31st ATP Tour title.

On the women's side, Petra Kvitova and Li Na will meet in a rain-delayed final in the Rogers Cup in Montreal on Monday. The men and women play their Rogers Cup tournament in Montreal and Toronto in alternating years.