Sun Sentinel Broward Edition

Djokovic nets Masters mark

- By Jerome Pugmire

PARIS — The day after ensuring he finishes No. 1 for a record seventh year, Novak Djokovic beat No. 2 Daniil Medvedev 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the Paris Masters final on Sunday for a record 37th Masters title.

Djokovic moved one clear of fellow 20-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal for Masters trophies, and nine ahead of Roger Federer, the other tennis great with 20 majors.

It also gave Djokovic a record-extending sixth Paris Masters title and put him 6-4 up overall against the second-ranked Medvedev, who’s pushing hard to dethrone him.

The 34-year-old Serb had lost to Medvedev in straight sets in the U.S. Open final two months ago and hadn’t played a tournament since.

Medvedev looked strong early on but top-seeded Djokovic, who beat him in straight sets in this year’s Australian Open final, withstood punishing rallies against an opponent nine years younger.

Djokovic’s double break against a tiring Medvedev, the defending champion, gave him a 5-2 lead and the chance to serve for an 86th career title.

Second-seeded Medvedev swiped a ball into the crowd in frustratio­n after a fan yelled just as he was serving at 30-40 down in that game, and he pointed to the crowd in frustratio­n at the changeover.

Some rowdy fans have cheered serving errors and double-faults, or shouted just before serves throughout the week.

Chair umpire Aurelie Tourte finally had enough, after her earlier requests for calm and in previous days from other umpires.

“When you see players on the baseline who are just about to serve,” she said, “stop making noise.”

Djokovic gifted Medvedev a break back to 5-3.

But on his first match point, Djokovic won a thrilling long rally befitting a great final with a forehand winner deep into the left of the court. He hugged his rival warmly at the net.

“I suffered a lot, well done to you. I really wanted to win but you’re so strong,” Medvedev said on court in near-fluent French. “I hope we play many matches like this, and we win a few each.”

Djokovic seemed overawed by Medvedev’s language skills.

“What a magical level of French you have. My level is not like Daniil’s but I try,” Djokovic responded in French.

“I also suffered a lot today and also in New York, but this is a great rivalry developing.”

Djokovic celebrated with his wife, his young son and daughter.

“Today was very special for me because my family is here,” Djokovic said.

“It’s the first time both of my children are together to watch one of my matches.”

Djokovic’s week was indeed a special one, as he moved one ahead of childhood idol Pete Sampras for No. 1 year-end finishes.

In a stellar year in which he won three majors, Djokovic eclipsed Federer’s all-time mark of 310 weeks at No. 1 on March 8 and will finish 2021 having held the top ranking for 348 weeks.

He now turns his attention toward a record-equaling sixth ATP Finals title to tie with Federer.

The season-ending event starts on Nov. 14 in Turin, Italy.

 ?? THIBAULT CAMUS/AP ?? Novak Djokovic beat Daniil Medvedev 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 to win the Paris Masters on Sunday. Djokovic, 34, set a record with his 37th career Masters title.
THIBAULT CAMUS/AP Novak Djokovic beat Daniil Medvedev 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 to win the Paris Masters on Sunday. Djokovic, 34, set a record with his 37th career Masters title.

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