In a week that saw Carlos Alcaraz crash out in the round of 32 of the Paris Masters 2023 against Roman Safiullin, Novak Djokovic continued to cement his status as the top dog of 2023 with his 6th title of the year. The Serbian arrived at the Paris Masters in red-hot form after winning a clinical US Open final against Daniil Medvedev. In Paris Masters 2023, Djokovic displayed his tenacity again in the previous rounds leading up to the finals as he survived three decisive three-set matches against Tallon Griekspoor, Holger Rune and Andrey Rublev. At the finals, he stared down the resurging Grigor Dimitrov without faze as he secured a straight-sets win against the Bulgarian.
Djokovic isn’t having a bad 2023 👀🏆 pic.twitter.com/2rNaAMvtRO
— Eurosport (@eurosport) November 5, 2023
Novak Djokovic Cruises to A Record-Extending 7th Paris Masters
Although many know how dominant Novak Djokovic currently is in 2023, his record on hard courts stood out as he won 33 matches and lost only once. The record paints the story in the Paris Masters final as the Serbian dealt with what Dimitrov threw at him without sweat. While Dimitrov showcased his resurgence in the previous rounds with wins over Daniil Medvedev, Hubert Hurkacz and Stefanos Tsitsipas, he could not break through the defence of the Serbian.
While nerves and experience may play a factor, as this is Novak’s 58th Masters final, the Bulgarian is only contesting his second-ever Masters final. Thus, the former world number three could not replicate the strong showing he displayed throughout the Paris Masters week as Djokovic serenely made his way to victory with a 6-4, 6-3 win against him.
With the win, Djokovic not only extends his record-extending seventh Paris Masters title, he also becomes the first player to reach the milestones of 40 ATP Masters 1000 wins, widening his Big Titles trophies count over his GOAT rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. In addition, the win against Dimitrov marks his 10th straight win over the Bulgarian while boasting an impressive overall 12-1 record.
Novak Djokovic Humble in Victory
Despite playing the villain role throughout his career and in Paris Masters 2023 specifically, Novak Djokovic headed to console the sobbing Bulgarian by giving him a warm embrace in the middle of receiving his on-court interview. “I have been in these situations before many times, losing finals. I have been blessed to, of course, win more finals than I have lost. I really hope he will continue to play at a high level. He has been playing some of his best tennis this week, and I wish him all the best. I hope he can win big events.”
As for his own victory, Djokovic mentioned that this Paris Masters was extra sweeter. “It is incredible. To be able to win it after quite challenging circumstances for me this week, this win has more weight and more value, and it is extra sweeter. Basically, coming back from the brink of losing three matches consecutively on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I was very close to losing those matches and somehow managing to find extra gear when it was needed.”
After recovering from his outburst of emotions, Dimitrov reflects on his happy memories throughout the Paris Masters week. “I just want to say how grateful I am for this amazing week. It is difficult to explain emotions. You want it. You know, it’s tough when it doesn’t happen. Only I know, in a way, without, like, feeling sorry for myself, what I’ve gone through the past months on and off the court. Those are happy tears. I don’t want to have them as something negative. I’m human, after all.”
Novak Djokovic stopped his interview to console Dimitrov. Amazing sportsmanship.
Novak is a great man. ❤️pic.twitter.com/IBOG0xehYF
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) November 5, 2023
Is the ATP Finals in the Bag for Novak Djokovic?
With Carlos Alcaraz seemingly slumping and the other players stumbling at the final huddle, the record-breaking 7th ATP Finals crown never seems closer for Novak Djokovic. However, is it really as cut and dry for the Serbian? Let us take a brief look below.
For starters, Novak Djokovic is the defending champion of the ATP Finals after his record-equalling win last year against Casper Ruud and was unbeaten in his whole run. Secondly, as mentioned above, his record on hard court is phenomenal this season, with 34 wins now and only one loss after his Paris Masters triumph. Lastly, he has the motivation and commitment to seek a record-breaking seventh and finish the season as the number-one player for the eighth time in his career.
Therefore, the balls are on the side of his court, and if there is one current player you favour to serve out the deciding service game without crumbling under pressure, it is Novak Djokovic.
Ranking points after Alcaraz lost in Paris Bercy:
1. Djokovic 8945
2. Alcaraz 8455Difference: 490 pts
– If Djokovic wins Paris Bercy (+1000 pts) & wins one match in the ATP Finals (+200), then he will finish the year as World No.1 regardless of the winner of the ATP Finals. pic.twitter.com/h4NYEYg6t2
— ميرو النوليستا ²⁴ 🐊 (@Que_Mes8) October 31, 2023
