ATP Paris: Novak Djokovic wins his 34th Masters title
World number 1 Novak Djokovic has won his 34th Masters title in Paris. The 32-year-old defeated young Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6: 3 and 6: 4 in the final.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Nov 03, 2019, 04:47 pm
Shapovalov had opted receiving in the election - but this tactic quickly backfired. Djokovic held to zero, after which he left the world ranking 28th working for his points, which he did not succeed. Djokovic breakthrough, made the 3: 0 and secured sentence one with a sovereign 6: 3.
Interesting: Shapovalov, known for his hot shots, seems to be quotaing a bit more under coach Mikhail Youzhny, especially at the return: If his "topspin to slice / block ratio" used to be 81 to 19 percent, it would be below the ex Top ten players 45 to 55 (before the tournament in Paris at least).
These numbers were not really helpful against Djokovic. Only four return points allowed Shapovalov to win in set one, in turn two it was again he who had to fight at the start and fend off a break-ball. Djokovic scored mostly in second serve Shapovalovs points. After all: "Shapo" held, Djokovic finally managed the match-decisive break to 4: 3. After Shapovalov came to his first break ball, a backhand return but landed in the off; he also made the next two points.
Djokovic served for the match at the next opportunity.
Djokovic punishes second serve
As expected, Shapovalov was the more aggressive player with 24 winers - with 22 mistakes without need but also with too many dropouts. Djokovic stood at the end of a safe 10: 7 balance. Especially when Shapovalov had to go over the second serve, he had massive problems: Only 3 (!) Of 17 points he made afterwards. Djokovic's score, on the other hand, was 81 percent after the first service, 80 percent after the second. He only scored 10 points in 10 serve games.
"I've played really well in the last three matches and as the tournament progressed, I've always felt more comfortable, more confident," said Djokovic after his 77th tournament win. "We both served very well, because so many spectators were here today it was maybe a bit warmer, the serves were a bit faster."
Djokovic's service figures in Paris were generally notable, having been broken only twice in five matches, holding 47 of 49 service games.
"You already have a great career, but the best is still to come", Djokovic praised his opponent at the award ceremony.
Shapovalov had benefited in the semifinals from the short-term cancellation Rafael Nadals , who had suffered a abdominal muscle injury when warming up. Djokovic had won against Grigor Dimitrov.
Djokovic is world ranked No. 1 - but travels as a favorite to London
Djokovic won his 34th title in the Masters category in Paris, where he remained without a set loss for the entire week, making him the top favorite for the ATP Finals in London (10 to 17 November).
The world ranking list, however, is for Djokovic despite the success for the time being: He must give the top spot to Nadal on Monday. He will be 640 points behind Nadal in the o2 Arena.