Novak DjokovicThe year will come to an end at No. 1 for the record seventh time, after rallying to beat Hubert Hurkacz3-6, 6-0 and 7-6 (5) in Paris MastersSemifinals Saturday.
DjokovicHe also keeps his course for a record-breaking sixth Paris Masterstitle, moved one ahead American Pete SamprasHe is the man who achieved his six top year-end finishes in 1993-98.
“I’mWe are very proud to have finished the season as No. 1,” Djokovic said. “It’sA dream, in truth, because SamprasWhen I was young, he was an idol to me. HeThis sport inspired me to pick up a racket.
DjokovicAlso, the year ended at the top in 2011-12 and 2014-15, 2018, 2020, and 2018.
“It’s a huge achievement, obviously,” Djokovic said. “ToMake the historic seventh attempt… (I’m) overwhelmed by all the beautiful, positive emotions.”
DjokovicShadowed Roger Federer’s all-time mark of 310 weeks at No. 1 March8 and will be finished 2021 after having held the top ranking of 348 weeks.
AnotherWin on SundayWill give DjokovicRecord 37th MastersTitle to move one ahead of 20-times Grand SlamWinner Rafael Nadal.
The top-ranked SerbHe also reached a record-breaking seventh final here, where it is up against Russian Daniil MedvedevAfter losing to him in straight set in the U.S. OpenTwo months ago. DjokovicHad not played since.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to turn the tables,” Djokovic said.
Second-seeded Medvedevrouted No. 4 Alexander Zverev — the Olympic champion — 6-2, 6-2 for a fourth straight win against him, having also beaten him in last year’s final. TheyThey are now 5-5 in total
MedvedevClinical was the winning champion.
HeThe first set was sealed at the first attempt. ZverevHis strong second serve into net was returned and he won the match point at 40-15 ZverevCould only make a strong serving wide.
DjokovicLeads Medvedev 5-4 overall. TheyThe last two meetings, both majors with, were split. DjokovicStraight sets win in the Australian OpenFinal this year.
“He’s been playing fantastic tennis, he’s back at his best,” Djokovic said. “He’s not missing much and serving big, it seems like he’s finding the groove.”
DjokovicIn his 71st year. MastersSemifinal and HurkaczJust his second.
But HurkaczIn the eighth game, he forged the first break point and won it with a backhand volleyball at the net for 5-3.
DjokovicHad a chance to get back with Hurkacz30-40 down in next game, but the SerbMade two unforced mistakes and were sloppy HurkaczWith a strong first serve, he won the first set at his second point. DjokovicThe return journey was long.
DjokovicHit back in an imposing second set and took control with a strong service match to move 4-1 up
But Djokovic’s double-fault in the seventh game gave HurkaczThere are two break points. DjokovicAfter some of them had cheered his double fault, he sarcastically applauded.
“InThings can happen in the heat of battle. PeopleGet involved in the match.” Djokovic said. “OfOf course, I didn’t like that. It’s not the first time, probably not the last time.”
The ParisianThe crowd cheered loudly for the players who committed double-faults and errors. Frenchman Hugo GastonOn Thursday Friday.
“ObviouslyPlaying against a French”Player is a completely different atmosphere.” Djokovic said. “YouCould see both (Carlos) Alcaraz MedvedevWe felt uncomfortable on the court because of the loud crowd and all the noise.
DjokovicShe was more comfortable holding for a 5- to 4-inch lead and sat in a meditative posture during the changeover.
ServingTo stay in the match HurkaczWhen it was at zero DjokovicA 25-shot rally was won by the winner to secure a match point.
HeIt was saved on the second attempt. Djokovic’s backhand landed just wide. HeThen, he held the ace for 5-5.
TheTiebreaker was close at 5-5 Hurkacz’s loose forehand into the net gave DjokovicHe won with a second match point. Hurkacz’s sliced backhand at full stretch landed just wide.
DjokovicHe beat his chest three more times, and then he let out a roar to celebrate his victory. Then he applauded his opponent on the court.
Hurkaczbroke into the Top10 was the first to qualify for the eight-man season-ending ATP FinalsThese start at Nov. 14 Turin.
DjokovicWe will also be trying to find a sixth ATP record. FinalsTie with title Federer.
Source: Fox News
