Unstoppable Djokovic Triumphs in Paris-Bercy Once More
In a thrilling finale, Serbian tennis ace, Novak Djokovic, snatched the ATP Masters title in Paris-Bercy for an astounding seventh time. This time, the World No. 1, a year older than his Bulgarian opponent Grigor Dimitrov, ranked 16 spots behind, dominated 6-4, 6-3.
Djokovic, who lost to Holger Rune in the 2021 Paris final, celebrated his sixth title win of the season in the City of Lights. His defeated adversary, Dimitrov, four years his junior, is yet to seal his first triumph since 2017.
After the game, a beaming Djokovic stated, "It's a miracle I managed to win this tournament despite always coming close to defeat in the previous rounds. Grigor and I both ran out of energy in the final, but somehow I always got that extra shot over the net. Although it was closer than the score line suggests, I'm extremely proud." This was his 97th career victory. He cemented his place as the year-end No. 1 for the eighth time, a record unsurpassed.
In the semi-finals, Djokovic outplayed Russian Andrei Rublev (5-7, 7-6 [7-3], 7-5), while Dimitrov ousted Greek World No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas, who had eliminated Olympic champion Alexander Zverev in the round of 16. Tsitsipas was bested 6-3, 6-7 [1-7], 7-6 [7-3] by Dimitrov, leaving Zverev desolate.
Zverev's defeat in Paris did, however, bring a silver lining. His run in Paris was enough to secure him a berth at the ATP Finals, to be held in Turin from November 12.
Despite his early exit, Paris generously rewarded Zverev. His performance enabled him to qualify for the prestigious ATP Finals. He benefited from the quarter-final losses of his rivals Hubert Hurkacz (Poland) and Alex de Minaur (Australia) in the quarter-finals. Zverev ended up seventh in the Race to Turin and can no longer be disqualified from participation.
In the tournament's semi-finals, Djokovic overcame a determined Andrei Rublev, while Zverev was eliminated by Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Novak Djokovic, whose triumphs in Paris include victories in 2010 against Robin Söderling and in 2014 against Milos Raonic, remains a dominant force in the tennis world. Zverev's hopes for a successful season took a hit in Paris but managed to turn things around in the nick of time, securing his spot at the ATP Finals.
