Novak Djokovic secures ultimate Paris Masters record

NOVEMBER 5, 2023 10:17

Novak Djokovic is the most profiled player in the Paris Masters history! Novak holds almost every notable record at the season's last Masters 1000 event, and he will fight for the seventh title on Sunday. Thanks to this week's campaign, Djokovic became the only player with 17 appearances at the Paris Masters, leaving five other players with 16.

Fernando Verdasco, Feliciano Lopez, Gilles Simon, Richard Gasauet and Stan Wawrinka stand behind Novak on that list. The Serb returned to action after taking a couple of weeks off the court, seeking his 40th Masters 1000 crown in Paris.

Djokovic kicked off his record-breaking 17th Paris Masters campaign with a 6-3, 6-2 triumph over Tomas Martin Etcheverry in an hour and 24 minutes. Struggling with stomach issues, Novak battled past Tallon Griekspoor in the third round, prevailing 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 after two hours and 39 minutes!

Both players earned three breaks of serve, and Djokovic played better in the decider to emerge at the top. In the repeat of last year's Paris Masters final, Novak took down Holger Rune 7-5, 6-7, 6-4 after almost three hours, securing a place in the semi-final!

Djokovic played well behind the initial shot in the opener, delivering a late break and taking it 7-5. Rune saved a match point on serve in the second set and stepped in during the last couple of games, playing his best tennis in the tie break and forcing a decider.

Novak made a fresh start in the decider, bringing the victory home with a single break. Djokovic met Andrey Rublev in the semi-final and prevailed 5-7, 7-6, 7-5 after three hours and one minute. The Russian gave his best against the world's best player, forcing a decider and staying neck and neck until the closing stages.

Like in the previous duels, Djokovic served well and delivered a late break in the decider to advance into the title clash.

Novak Djokovic is the first player with 17 appearances at the Paris Masters.

Both players clinched two breaks, with Djokovic taking only four points more than Rublev.

They kicked off the action with back-to-back return games, and Andrey grabbed another at 6-5 to claim the opener in 59 minutes. Rublev saved three break points in the second set's fifth game, with nothing separating them until the tie break.

Novak won an extended rally in the sixth point, moving 4-2 up creating three set points with a forehand return winner. Djokovic closed the set with an ace, gathering a boost ahead of the decider. Rublev denied two break points in the final set's fourth game, holding and staying in contention.

Novak served well, producing one good hold after another and keeping the pressure on the other side. The Serb secured a late break at 6-5, moving over the top and setting the title clash versus Grigor Dimitrov.