Serb sinks Dimitrov for 'extra sweet' 7th Paris Masters title

PARIS — Novak Djokovic will head to the ATP Finals oozing with confidence.

The top-ranked Serb will take on his rivals at the year-end event starting next weekend on an 18-match winning streak, fresh from a 40th Masters 1000 tournament win.

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 win over Grigor Dimitrov in the final.

The 36-year-old Djokovic eclipsed his previous record set two years ago as the tournament's oldest champion, capturing his 40th Masters 1000 title and stretching his winning run to 18 matches.

Djokovic collected his sixth title of the season to draw level with Carlos Alcaraz, adding to three Grand Slams and the Masters victory in Cincinnati that set him up for a landmark 24th major crown at the US Open.

Djokovic, who had been pushed to three sets in his three previous matches, enjoyed a comfortable afternoon under the roof of the Palais Omnisports.

"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. Considering what happened in the last six, seven days... this win has more weight and more value and it's extra sweeter.

"It's one of those weeks where you just have to accept the circumstances and fight to survive another day," he added.

Djokovic was in total control from the start in the final while Dimitrov got off to a timid start, letting his opponent dictate play and never found his rhythm. Dimitrov was second-best in all areas and the result improved Djokovic's record against Dimitrov to 12-1.

Djokovic was untouchable on his serve and did not face a single break point. The triumph saw Djokovic increase his lead over Alcaraz in the race for the No 1 spot to 1,490 points, making it highly likely he will finish the year as the top-ranked men's player for a record-extending eighth time.

It is the second time Djokovic has completed a French Open and Paris Masters double in the same season. Andre Agassi is the only other player to achieve it.

Djokovic's seventh Bercy crown makes it his most successful Masters event ahead of Miami and Rome, where he has won on six occasions each.

His 97th career title also nudged him closer to Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103).

Djokovic needs just one win at the ATP Finals in Turin (Nov 12-19) to guarantee he finishes 2023 as the world No 1. The elite eight-man lineup in Turin also includes Alexander Zverev, Holger Rune, Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner, Andrey Rublev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Djokovic won the tournament for the sixth time last year — matching Federer's all-time mark — after Alcaraz withdrew because of injury.

"I haven't lost a match since the Wimbledon final, so I'm really excited to hopefully finish off the season on a high," said Djokovic. "Clinching the year number one (ranking) and Davis Cup are the two biggest goals."

The Serb dropped just seven points on his serve in the opening set and broke for a 4-3 lead. As he walked back to his chair for the changeover after sealing the first set, he was booed and whistled by sections of fans. Djokovic appeared unfazed and even looked amused.

With a large grin on his face, he provoked the crowd by gesturing in their direction as if encouraging them to whistle and make more noise.

Dimitrov was again in trouble on his serve in the fifth game of the second set and was broken after a series of mistakes. Djokovic did not slow down and won his next serve at love to open a 4-2 lead. He broke again in the ninth game as a last backhand from Dimitrov sailed out of bounds.

"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 scoreline indicates, but another amazing win for me. I'm very proud of this one, considering what I've been through this week."

Dimitrov, 32, was chasing his first title in Paris since winning the ATP Finals in 2017 but suffered a 10th straight loss to Djokovic in a meeting of the two oldest players in the top 20.

"I just want to say how grateful I am for this amazing week," said Dimitrov, who was left in tears after losing in his second ever Masters final. He won his first in Cincinnati six years ago.

"It's difficult to explain emotions. You want it. You know, it's tough when it doesn't happen," he added.

"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."

Dimitrov's late-season resurgence saw him beat Medvedev, Hubert Hurkacz and Tsitsipas last week.

Agencies