After Carlos Alcaraz ended the 2022 season as No. 1, many wrote out Novak Djokovic from the script as a great performer for 2023. But the Serbian has shown his worth and proven that he is the greatest of all-time tennis players. Winning three out of four Grand Slams this season, eclipsing Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in title records and match-winning points.
The Serbian showed great resilience after suffering a stomach virus in the early rounds of the Rolex Paris Masters and defeated Grigor Dimitrov in the finals to lift his 40th Masters title.
Djokovic opens up following Paris Masters win
Novak Djokovic defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-3 in just 98 minute to win the 2023 Paris Masters. Djokovic, who has not competed in any major competition since winning the US Open in September, made sure that he carted away his sixth title of the season to solidify his hold at the top of the world ranking.
After the victory, Novak Djokovic revealed why many people don’t like him: “I’m going for all possible records, all that I can break. I’ve never had a problem saying that. And that’s why people don’t like me. I didn’t pretend like some people. To say that it’s not my goal, and then to behave differently after. I always tried to be in line with what I believe.”
“As far as the record for the number of ATP tournaments won is concerned, everything is possible. Why shouldn’t I try to break that record too? Now I have 12 less [than Connors] but I also have a few more years of successful tennis. I try to enjoy these moments that now mean & are worth double. When you consider the stage of my life & career that I am in, & to win such a big tournament. Although it may seem like a routine to people, every win at the Masters & Grand Slam levels really means so much to me.”
Novak Djokovic will be heading to the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin with the hopes of adding another trophy to his cabinet and making it seven titles this season.
Djokovic stops interview to console Grigor Dimitrov
After falling to a defeat to Novak Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov could not hide his disappointment as he turned tearful for the first time in court. The Bulgarian was hoping to win his first Masters 1000 crown since winning the 2017 Nitto ATP Finals and Djokovic took time to console the Bulgarian in his chair.
Novak Djokovic after beating Grigor Dimitrov to win 40th Masters title said, “Grigor, sorry about the outcome today. It’s never easy to lose in a final. I want to encourage you to stay tough & keep going. You played some of the greatest tennis I’ve seen you play this week & the last few months. Keep going. Congrats to your team & your family.”
“I’ve been in these situations before many times, losing finals,” said Djokovic, when asked what he had said to the Bulgarian. “I’ve of course been blessed to win more finals than I’ve lost, and I really hope that he will continue to play at a high level. He’s been playing some of his best tennis this week, and I wish him all the best. I hope he can win big events.”
Grigor Dimitrov had an incredible run, defeating two Top 10 players, Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, en route to the final but fell to Djokovic. However, the Bulgarian has risen from No. 17 to No. 14 and would end the year in the Top 15 for the first time in fifteen years.
What’s your take on Djoker’s incredible achievement? Tell us in the comments section.
