Djokovic ‘couldn’t be happier’ after fifth Masters title
Djokovic ‘couldn’t be happier’ after fifth Masters title
Paris, Nov. 4: Novak Djokovic said he “couldn't be happier” after easing to a record-extending fifth Paris Masters title by brushing aside Canadian youngster Denis Shapovalov in Sunday's final, boosting his hopes of taking the year-end world number one spot. The top seed claimed a dominant 6-3, 6-4 victory over his 20-year-old opponent, who looked nervous after being the beneficiary of Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal before their scheduled semi-final. “I thought I had the best serving match of the tournament and that's why the match was pretty short,” said Djokovic, who won the tournament without dropping a set. “Just one of the best matches I have played, definitely, this week. And I feel like the second part of the week was terrific. “I couldn't be happier with this win.” Djokovic could equal Pete Sampras’ record by finishing a sixth year as the world’s best player. The 33-year-old Nadal is a fitness doubt for the ATP Tour Finals, which start in London on November 10, due to an abdominal muscle strain, while Djokovic has won the season-ending championships five times. “I’m sad to see that he’s injured,” said the Serbian. “I know how that feels. Obviously I went through major injuries in my life as well.” Djokovic, who lost to Russian Karen Khachanov in last year’s Bercy final, saved the only break point he faced as he sealed his fourth win from as many matches against the world number 28 Shapovalov. The 16-time Grand Slam champion has now won 34 Masters singles titles, moving to within one of
Nadal at the top of the alltime list, and 77 on the ATP Tour in total.
That takes him level with John McEnroe with the fifth-most ever, behind Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer, Ivan Lendl and Nadal.
His success adds to his previous Paris Masters titles from 2009 and 20132015. Makes statement Djokovic, playing in his 50th Masters final, wasted no time in making a statement, serving an ace on the first point en route to a hold to love.
Nerves were clearly affecting Shapovalov, as he gifted Djokovic an early 2-0 lead with a series of unforced errors.
Shapovalov found his rhythm on serve to get on the board, but the first-set momentum had already been seized by his illustrious opponent, who eased 5-2 in front.
The comfortable opening set for the world number one was wrapped up at the first time of asking with a forehand volley after just 28 minutes on court.
Shapovalov, who claimed his maiden ATP title last month in Stockholm, couldn’t show his brilliant form of the quarter-final win over Gael Monfils.
Djokovic moved to the brink of win with a break in game seven to lead the second set 4-3. Shapovalov gave himself hope by moving to 30-40 on Djokovic’s serve, but the Serbian closed the door.