World number one Novak Djokovic records a straight-set triumph over Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov to capture his seventh crown at the Rolex Paris Masters final, the 40th at this level on tour and his 97th title overall on Sunday.
A straightforward 6-4, 6-3 win by top seed Novak Djokovic denied the 8-time ATP titlist Grigor Dimitrov the chance to lift the first trophy of his career since 2017.
Meanwhile, the Serbian player claimed his sixth title at tour-level this season without facing a breakpoint throughout the 98-minute encounter.
In his on-court interview, he outlined: “It feels incredible to be able to win it after quite challenging circumstances for me this week. 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.”
Assessing the final contest, Djokovic added: “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 – myself as well – but I managed to find an extra shot over the net, and I think the match was closer than the scoreline indicates. But it’s another amazing win for me, and I’m very proud of this one, considering what I’ve been through this week.”
The Belgrade native struggled with a stomach virus through the first matches, and as he kept alive his campaign in Paris – played three demanding three-set matchups in a row – he had to cope with his fitness as well.
However, the resilient champion once and again found a way to pull through, neutralizing his adversary, who delivered exceptional performances all week.
During the trophy ceremony, the 32-year-old from Haskovo, in tears as the contest concluded, commented: “I just wanted to say how grateful I am for this amazing week.”
“It’s been such a rollercoaster the past three months for me. Getting to the final of this tournament means so much, more than you guys can imagine. But also, it would not have been possible without you throughout the week [and your] support.”
On his way to the final, Dimitrov stunned third seed Daniil Medvedev, showcasing high-class tennis while excelling in confidence and athleticism.
Nonetheless, he failed to find solutions against a rival who capitalized on his chances, dominating play to emerge victorious.
Overall, Djokovic finished with 15 winners, six aces, committing just one double fault, converting 3 of 4 breakpoint opportunities he had.
Moreover, he won 81 percent of points behind his first-serve delivery.
Nearly unstoppable this season, the 36-year-old heads to the Nitto ATP Finals off the back of earning a record-extending 40th ATP Masters 1000, carrying 97th tour-level titles on his bag, including 24 majors.
The prestigious season-ending event will be played at the Pala Alpitour in Turin, Italy, from 12-19 November, featuring the world’s best eight qualified singles players and doubles teams.
Djokovic will join, Carlos Alcaraz, Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Jannik Sinner, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev and Holger Rune.