Novak Djokovic continued his domination against Stefanos Tsitsipas as he defeated the Greek by 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(4) to enter the Rolex Paris Masters finals. The Serbian won the last four points in the tiebreaker to take the match despite trailing by a mini break at one point.
The 35-year-old took the first set convincingly by 6-2 after breaking Tsitsipas’ serve in the sixth game. However, the Greek bounced back stronger as he broke Djokovic’s serve in the fifth game of the second set before once again breaking it to level the score.
Djokovic, however, showed his class in the tiebreaker to enter another final. The Serbian admitted that it is always sweet to win against the best players in the world.
“It’s very sweet, obviously, when you win matches like this against one of the best players in the world,” Djokovic said after the victory. “I thought I started the match very well, again, great hitting like yesterday in the quarters. I had chances early on in the second [twice at 30/30], I didn’t break his serve. The momentum shifted, the crowd got into it. I think he elevated his level of tennis.
“Deservedly so, we went into — both of us — into an even battle all the way until the last point, until the last shot. Some incredible points towards the end. I’m just really glad to overcome this challenge.”
Djokovic fired 11 aces and won 82% on his first serve. The veteran won a total of 93 points as compared to Tsitsipas’ 74. With this win, Djokovic improved his Head-to-head record against Tsitsipas by 9-2.
Djokovic will take on youngster Holger Rune, who defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinal in straight sets, in the final contest.