Paris Masters: Novak Djokovic says title ‘has more weight and value’ after ending tearful Grigor Dimitrov’s roller-coaster run
- Djokovic overcomes a stomach virus against a resurgent Dimitrov, who had knocked out several contenders en route to the final
- A 97th career title inches Djokovic closer to Roger Federer’s 103 wins and Jimmy Connors’ record of 109
Novak Djokovic hailed a Paris Masters title that “has more weight” after defeating Grigor Dimitrov to win a record-extending seventh crown and close in on securing the year-end No 1 ranking for an eighth time.
The 36-year-old Djokovic eclipsed his previous record set two years ago as the tournament’s oldest champion, capturing his 40th Masters 1000 title and stretching his winning run to 18 matches.
A 6-4, 6-3 triumph in Sunday’s final gave Djokovic a sixth title of the season to draw level with Carlos Alcaraz, adding to three grand slams and the Masters victory in Cincinnati that set him up for a landmark 24th major crown at the US Open.
“It’s incredible. To be able to win it after quite challenging circumstances for me this week,” said Djokovic, who had been hit by a stomach virus that left him feeling under the weather in Paris.
“Considering what happened in the last six, seven days … this win has more weight and more value and it’s extra sweeter.
