Novak Djokovic beat Gael Monfils 6-3 6-4 to win the Eastbourne International2017 title.
"Hopefully, I'll be able to take the performance here and a good level of confidence into Wimbledon," Djokovic said.
It was mission accomplished for Djokovic. After losing in the French Open quarterfinals, and needing a fillip, he decided to play a grass event before Wimbledon for the first time in seven years, and received a wild card for his first trip to Eastbourne.
He broke Monfils to start and finish the first set. In the second, he saved three break points, and broke Monfils to cap the final and improve to 14-0 against the Frenchman on the tour.
It's the 68th career title for Djokovic, and his first on grass outside of Wimbledon, which he won in 2011, 2014, and 2015.
“It was a great week. Obviously it feels right, looking back on the decision-making process and whether or not I should come here, now it feels like it was a good decision. But also a few days ago it felt right because I had a lot of time spent on the court, some good match play. But most of all, I felt very welcomed here by the people. On and off the court I was greeted, I was respected. So, for me, it was just a phenomenal experience that I will definitely take with me to Wimbledon,” Djokovic said.
“I tried my best today. I think he played very good, returned very good. Obviously in the first set he served very good. It was very tough to handle his first serve. I had some opportunities, and he had a bit of luck and managed it very good. I think I played a tough match,” Monfils said.
Monfils will receive 150 ATP Rankings points and €59,690 in prize money while the champion takes 250 ATP Rankings points and €113,330 in prize money..
