PARIS (AFP) – World number one Novak Djokovic avenged his last year’s defeat in the Paris Masters final, securing a spot in the semi-finals with a hard-fought victory over Denmark’s Holger Rune. Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Grigor Dimitrov advanced to set up an intriguing encounter.
Djokovic, who is playing in his first ATP Tour event since claiming his record 24th Grand Slam title in New York, clinched a 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), 6-4 win over Rune after a match that lasted more than two-and-three-quarter hours. He missed a match point in the second set but managed to secure the win.
The Serbian star, a record six-time champion at the Paris Masters, will face the winner of the match between Alex de Minaur and Andrey Rublev in the semi-finals, with a chance to reach his ninth Paris Masters final.
“It was quite a similar match to last year’s final, it was anybody’s game in every set,” Djokovic said. “I played an awful tie-break in the second set, probably the worst one this year. But again credit to him for staying mentally tough and playing solid.”
Djokovic’s victory against Rune marked his second career win over the 20-year-old, who is now coached by Djokovic’s former coach Boris Becker.
In the other semi-final, Stefanos Tsitsipas powered his way through with a dominant 6-3, 6-4 victory over Karen Khachanov. Tsitsipas, who also reached the semi-finals last year but lost to Djokovic, is showing impressive form as he progresses to the same stage without dropping a set.
“It’s working well. I feel like I can mix up play,” Tsitsipas commented on his diverse playing style.
Tsitsipas will face Grigor Dimitrov in the semi-finals, who overcame Hubert Hurkacz with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 win. Dimitrov’s recent performances have been noteworthy, making him a formidable opponent.
Dimitrov reached the semi-finals in Paris in 2019, and despite not having a chance to qualify for the ATP Finals, he continues to display strong late-season form. His recent victories include defeating world number three Daniil Medvedev in the second round.
“My body is feeling well for now, that’s the most important thing,” said Dimitrov. “My head is good. If I’m able to play like that on a consistent basis throughout every game, I put myself in a position to do better.”
The Paris Masters is set to deliver exciting tennis action as these top players vie for the title and further solidify their positions in the ATP rankings.
