Jaded Djokovic is losing his grip

THE last time Novak Djokovic played in the French capital he was lord of all he surveyed, winning at Roland Garros to clinch a remarkable fourth straight Grand Slam title. He cut a very different figure yesterday evening, having given way to Andy Murray in the battle to be world No 1 after losing to Marin Cilic in the Paris Masters quarter-final. Murray was last night facing Tomas Berdych for a place in the last four, knowing the global summit was in tantalising reach. Djokovic’s loss meant Murray could take over from him as No 1 by making tomorrow’s final after a stunning run dating back to early May. Even with a loss against Berdych, the Scot would still have made up ground ahead of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at London’s 02 Arena. Djokovic’s latest slip saw him go down 6-4, 7-6 to a rangy Croatian opponent who had lost all 14 of their previous meetings, but has run into excellent late-season form. Djokovic (left) hit the ball short and his reactions looked a little slow, with Cilic showing greater fortitude.