Novak Djokovic, who has not lost a match since his defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final in July, won a record-extending seventh title at the Paris Masters on Sunday with a quick and easy 6-4, 6-3 victory over Grigor Dimitrov in the final.
At the Rolex Paris Masters on Sunday, Grigor Dimitrov and Novak Djokovic demonstrated excellent sportsmanship. The world No. 1 interrupted his on-court interview to offer the Bulgarian a loving embrace as the fans at Accor Arena yelled Dimitrov’s name. Dimitrov had been reduced to tears after missing out on his first ATP singles victory in six years.
“Incredible. To be able to win it after quite challenging circumstances for me this week,” said Djokovic, who was hampered by a stomach virus in Paris. “Basically, coming back from the brink of losing three matches in a row, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I was very close to losing those matches and somehow managed to find an extra gear when it was needed.” Also read: Paris Masters: Novak Djokovic Set Up Final With Grigor Dimitrov
In the final, Djokovic was in complete control from the outset, but Dimitrov had a hesitant start, allowing his opponent to dominate the play and never getting into a rhythm. Dimitrov finished second in every category, and Djokovic’s record against Dimitrov increased to 12-1 as a consequence of the victory.
It is Djokovic’s 40th ATP Masters 1000 victory overall.
Speaking on the mike, Djokovic also had kind things to say about Dimitrov, whose comeback season carried on in Paris. In third-set tiebreaks, Dimitrov defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev to go to his second career ATP Masters 1000 final.
“I’ve been in these situations before many times. Losing finals,” Djokovic said. “I’ve been blessed to of course win more finals than I’ve lost. I really hope he will continue to play at a high level. “He’s been playing some of his best tennis this week and I wish him all the best. I hope he can win big events.” Also read: Novak Djokovic rallied to defeat Tallon Griekspoor to reach quarterfinal at the Paris Masters
“Today, I think we both were quite tight at the beginning, and I could see that he was running out of gas a little bit,” Djokovic said. “Myself as well, but I somehow managed to find an extra shot over the net. I think the match was closer than the score line indicates, but another amazing win for me. I’m very proud of this one, considering what I’ve been through this week.”