Serbian star Novak Djokovic will be brimming with confidence as he heads to the ATP Finals. The top-ranked Serb enters the year-end event next weekend on an 18-match winning streak, coming off his 40th Masters 1000 tournament victory. Djokovic, who has not lost a match since losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final in July, won a record-extending seventh victory at the Paris Masters on Sunday, defeating Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets 6-4, 6-3. Djokovic expanded his lead over the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the Pepperstone ATP Live Race to Turin to 1490 points by capturing the Paris trophy, making it highly likely that he will win the ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by Pepperstone for a record-extending eighth time.
Djokovic, who had been pushed to three sets in his last three encounters, spent a relaxing afternoon under the Palais Omnisport roof. Djokovic won with a typically resilient all-around effort, becoming the first player to win 40 Masters 1000 titles. The Serbian’s steadiness from the baseline allowed Dimitrov few chances to rouse the level he demonstrated en route to the title match, and a single break in each set was enough for Djokovic to close up a 98-minute victory.
Djokovic dominated the final from the start, while Dimitrov was tentative, allowing his opponent to dictate the play and never finding his groove. Bulgarian Dimitrov finished second in all categories, bringing Djokovic’s record against Dimitrov to 12-1. In the first set, the Serb missed only seven games on his serve and broke for a 4-3 lead.
After finishing the first set, he was booed and whistled as he returned to his chair for the changeover. Djokovic appeared unconcerned, if not amused. He agitated the audience by gesticulating in their direction as if encouraging them to whistle and make more noise.
Dimitrov was broken again in the fifth game of the second set after a string of errors on his serve. Djokovic did not relent, winning his next serve at love to take a 4-2 lead. In the ninth game, he broke again as Dimitrov’s final backhand went out of bounds.
It’s incredible. To be able to win it after quite challenging circumstances for me this week, said Djokovic. 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 extra gear when it was needed, he added. I’m very proud of this one, considering what I’ve been through this week, Djokovic concluded.
