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Novak Djokovic claimed his 40th Masters 1000 crown in Paris a couple of weeks ago, becoming the first player to achieve that. Alongside other records and achievements, Djokovic became the second player with ten indoor Masters 1000 semi-finals, joining Pete Sampras on the exclusive list.
Novak is now two indoor Masters 1000 semi-finals ahead of Roger Federer and Yevgeny Kafelnikov, hoping to pass Sampras in Paris next year and take the record. The Serb clinched his first indoor Masters 1000 semi-final in Madrid 2007, with the remaining nine coming in Paris since 2009.
Novak lost in the Paris Masters final a year ago, bouncing back this season and adding his seventh trophy in the French capital. Djokovic ousted Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the second round, earning a 6-3, 6-2 win 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 and a massive battle!
Novak Djokovic is the second player with ten indoor Masters 1000 SFs.
They delivered three breaks each, and Novak claimed the crucial points to find himself in the quarter-final.
In the repeat of last year's Paris Masters final, Novak took down the defending champion Holger Rune 7-5, 6-7, 6-4 after almost three hours, securing a place in the semi-final and earning a record! Djokovic played well behind the initial shot in the first set, delivering a late break for 7-5 and a boost.
Rune saved a match point on serve in the second set and stepped in during the last couple of games, playing bold and aggressive tennis. The young gun performed well in the tie break and forced a decider. Novak made a fresh start and brought the victory home with a single break, advancing into the last four.
Djokovic met Andrey Rublev in the semi-final and worked hard for the third straight match, prevailing 5-7, 7-6, 7-5 after three hours. The Russian gave his best against the world's best player, forcing a decider and staying neck and neck from start to finish.
Like in the previous duels, Djokovic served well and delivered a late break in the decider to advance into the title clash. Novak chased his 40th Masters 1000 crown versus Grigor Dimitrov and earned a 6-4, 6-3 victory in an hour and 38 minutes.
Djokovic preserved energy for the final, serving well and stealing Dimitrov's serve two times to control the scoreboard.