Top-seeded Novak Djokovic rallied to defeat Tallon Griekspoor 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 on Thursday to reach his 11th quarterfinal at the Rolex Paris Masters.
Six-time Paris-Bercy winner Djokovic overcame a late break in the decisive set to overcome Griekspoor and secure a rematch with the reigning champion Holger Rune in the 2022 final.
Rune, who is now placed eighth in the ATP Race to Turin, wants to pull away from Hubert Hurkacz, who is ranked ninth. After the Pole advanced to the round of eight, the No. 6 seed defeated Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 6-3. Also read: Reaching New Heights: Veronika Kudermetova Claims Second Title at Toray Pan Pacific Open
Hurkacz advanced over Casper Ruud conqueror Francisco Cerundolo earlier in the day, as did fellow outside Turin contenders Alex de Minaur and Karen Khachanov. Stefanos Tsitsipas clinched the sixth spot with a win over No. 7 Alexander Zverev, who can still claim his own return to the Nitto ATP Finals based on results over the next 48 hours.
The 24-times Grand Slam winner mounted a comeback, however, as he convincingly won the tiebreak and took the decider to continue his quest for a record-extending seventh title in Paris.
“I run out of steam, I’ve been struggling the last couple of days with my stomach, I didn’t feel myself at all on court,” the 36-year-old Djokovic said. Also read: Leandro Riedi Net Worth 2023, Annual Income, Prize Money, Endorsements, Cars, Houses, Charities
“It could’ve run easily on his way, but I played a good tiebreak and started to feel better on the third. I’m really happy I overcame this challenge.”
Having won three of the four main events available in 2023, Djokovic was never in danger of missing his 16th trip to the ATP Finals, but he was still under pressure against Greikspoor, who was aiming for her first Masters 1000 quarterfinal and was enjoying a career-best season.
The world No. 23 player took the opening set from beneath Djokovic, who had easily defeated Tomás Etcheverry in his opening round and led 4-2 to begin his encounter on Thursday. This surely aroused the curiosity of the French audience. Also read: Ben Shelton Net Worth 2023, Annual Income, Endorsements, Cars, Houses, Properties, Charities, Etc.
The rivalry between Djokovic and Next Gen Rune has grown to be one of the more fascinating matchups available on the ATP tour right now. Rune has won their last two meetings, including earlier this year at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, after Djokovic defeated the young Dane in a four-set thriller in the young Dane’s Grand Slam main draw debut at the 2021 US Open.