World number one, Novak Djokovic would return to the court at the Paris Masters. The Serbian had taken a break after losing the US Open title to Daniil Medvedev back in September. He had been hoping to complete a Golden Slam, having won all three Grand Slams before US.

Djokovic’s participation at the Paris Masters comes as a bit of surprise as little has been heard from him since September’s loss. But it must have been expected, given that the event is one of his favourites and he has five wins from there to show for it. Djokovic would start the event from the second round where he would face the winner of the Marton Fucsovics vs. Fabio Fognini fixture from Monday. Neither of the two men have beaten Djokovic in a game at this particular event, even though they have all met a combined 11 times.

As one of the favourites for this event, all eyes would be on Djokovic, as he fights to win his sixth Paris Masters title. Following his US Open loss, Djokovic said that he experienced fan love for, perhaps, the first time in his career. If the love is still present, it might help him perform better and move on from dwelling on past errors.

Djokovic would also team up with countryman Filip Krajinovic for doubles duty. The last time we saw him team up with someone was at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics back in July. For someone that has been away from action for some weeks, Djokovic is making it clear that he wants all the action he has missed. After the Paris Masters, he would also compete in the ATP Finals and the Davis Cup, where he would represent his country.

Despite the loss in US, the year has been particularly good for Djokovic. He started the year as the man with the least Grand Slam titles of the Big Three but is ending it on par with the rest. He still has all it takes in him to perform better and win a title before the year ends. But even if he does not play any event again till the year runs out, Djokovic can be sure of ending the year as world number one, for a record seventh time.

Written by:  Leon Osamor