Serbia's Novak Djokovic (left), carrying his trophy, and Croatia's Marin Cilic, carrying his finalist trophy, pose for a picture after the men's singles final tennis match at the Tel Aviv Watergen Open 2022 in Israel on Octo 1, 2022. Djokovic won 6-3 and 6-4. (JACK GUEZ / AFP)

Top seed Novak Djokovic produced a stellar display to sweep aside Croatian Marin Cilic 6-3 6-4 in the final of the ATP 250 Tel Aviv Open on Sunday and clinch his third title of the season.

Novak Djokovic, playing in his first singles event since winning a seventh Wimbledon crown in July, launched an early attack on his opponent's formidable serve as he broke Cilic in the second game before going on to take the opener in just under 50 minutes

Djokovic, playing in his first singles event since winning a seventh Wimbledon crown in July, launched an early attack on his opponent's formidable serve as he broke Cilic in the second game before going on to take the opener in just under 50 minutes.

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Cilic, largely untroubled on serve all week, found himself under constant pressure against the Serbian's deep returns and was broken again in the first game of the second set, allowing Djokovic to seize control of the match.

The 21-times major winner did not relinquish that advantage as he stayed perfect on his own delivery to secure his 89th career title and 19th victory over former US Open champion Cilic in 21 meetings.

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Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Croatia's Marin Cilic during the men's singles final tennis match at the Tel Aviv Watergen Open 2022 in Israel on Oct 1, 2022. (JACK GUEZ / AFP)

The title should come as a major boost for Djokovic, who missed the US Open and the North American hardcourt swing due to his decision not to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before returning to action at the Laver Cup team event in London.

The 35-year-old's next stop is the ATP 500 Astana Open, which kicks off on Monday and will feature world number one Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev.