Djokovic in superb form as he bids for his 77th title

Novak Djokovic sped into the Paris Masters semifinals by demolishing seventh-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-1, 6-2 yesterday.

Djokovic did not concede a break point and it could have been an even quicker victory considering he led the first set 5-0, 40-0, but Tsitsipas saved three set points and held serve.

The 16-time Grand Slam champion, who is chasing a 77th career title, even impressed himself.

“I played one of the best matches of the season,” he said. “I prepared myself very well for this match. I lost to Stefanos in Shanghai and I went through the videos, understanding what I did well, what I didn’t do so well. I served well. I read his serve very well, as well.puthimunder pressure constantly.”

Djokovic next plays US Open semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov, who reached his second semi-final this season by beating Cristian Garin 6-2, 7-5, dropping his serve twice and breaking the Chilean’s five times. Denis Shapovalov crushed Gael Monfils 6-2, 6-2, ending the Frenchman’s hopes of reaching the season-ending ATP Finals in London.

Rafa Nadal defeated 2008 champion Jo-wilfried Tsonga 7-6 (4), 6-1 last night and is guaranteed to finish the year as No 1 if he wins the Paris Masters for the first time.

Karolina Pliskova defeated Simona Halep to claim the last semi-final spot at the WTA Finals in Shenzhen and will face Ashleigh Barty of Australia in the last four.

Defending champion Elina Svitolina, despite already been assured of a place in the semi-finals, still battled hard for a 7-5, 7-6 (10) win over alternate Sofia Kenin of the USA.

Svitolina said: “Each time I step on the courti have to win. My parents raised me this way.” She will face seventh seed Belinda Bencic for a place in the final.

Kyle Edmund has completed Great Britain’s squad for the Davis Cup in Madrid next month. Edmund joins Andy Murray, Dan Evans, Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski in the squad.