By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Sunday, November 5, 2023
Affected by a abdomen bug this week, Novak Djokovic nonetheless delivered monster Masters leads to Paris.
The highest-seeded Djokovic defeated buddy Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-3, gathering his record-extending seventh Rolex Paris Masters crown and astounding fortieth Masters 1000 championship.
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It’s 18th straight win for Djokovic, who has not misplaced since bowing to Carlos Alcaraz in a traditional Wimbledon closing.
Elevating his document to 12-1 vs. someday follow accomplice Dimitrov, Djokovic has all however locked up his record-extending eighth year-end world No. 1 end.
Drained by his wins over world No. 3 Daniil Medvedev, Antwerp champion Alexander Bublik, Shanghai champion Hubert Hurkacz and Australian Open finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas, Dimitrov lacked the legs and explosiveness he confirmed reaching his first Masters 1000 closing since he received the 2017 Cincinnati.
Afterward, Dimitrov stated the distinction is obvious: Djokovic is working at a better stage than the remainder of the ATP pack chasing him.
“General I used to be somewhat bit flat. That is additionally my, like, abstract of the match,” Dimitrov instructed the media in Paris. “However in fact Novak within the finals might be one of many greatest achievement you possibly can have in our sport to beat him.
“I imply, a lot respect for him. The best way he is competing on the court docket is, I believe, I imply, on a very totally different stage. I’ve stated it earlier than. I believe additionally on the subject of these clutch matches, he is at all times been capable of maximize his recreation, even when it isn’t at his greatest, however he is been capable of maximize and put you in uncomfortable conditions.
“On that finish at this time I believe he executed loads of factors and video games in an excellent manner.”
Picture credit score: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty