A few Of Novak Djokovic’s Incredible Numbers [Chart]
Contesting his 14th consecutive final, Djokovic punished Murray, 6-2, 6-4, in the Paris Masters final to capture his 10th title of the season and make history as the first man to collect six Masters crowns in a single season.
The top-ranked Serb was largely untroubled clinching his 10th title of the season – four ahead of Roger Federer and six more than Murray.
The top seed won the series-closing title for an unprecedented third straight year and a fourth time in all as he dominated the Scottish second seed from start to finish in 1hr 32mins.
He will head to London for the ATP Tour Finals as the overwhelming favourite to win for the fourth time a row and the fifth time in all.
“It’s always very physical, also very psychologically demanding (against Murray)”, Djokovic said.
“I’m not trying to keep the status quo, because for me that’s a regression”. Serving for the match, Djokovic clenched his fist and yelled when Murray’s return landed out to give him match point.
Murray, beaten for the 10th title in 11 meetings with Djokovic, will have home support at the ATP Tour Finals in London before heading to Belgium to spearhead Great Britain’s Davis Cup final challenge against the hosts.
Wawrinka handed Djokovic his only loss in a Grand Slam event in 2015 when he defeated him in the final of Roland Garros, the only major tournament that has eluded the Serb in his illustrious career.
“I think I have a nice balance and serenity in private life that reflects on the professional life, and vice versa”.
“Against Roger as well, I really need to do better there”, he said.
Despite a few excellent tennis from both players, it was clear from early on that Djokovic was on top form, a few stunning defence winning him points that Murray would have taken against any other opponent.
“But I managed to stay tough, you know, save my service game at 3-2, and I think that after that point I felt that I had a good chance to finish off the match in straight sets”.
Murray dropped his serve again to trail 2-1 in the second set but broke right back, only for Djokovic to get another break in the seventh game when the Briton’s forehand sailed long.
Yet, Djokovic was not to be denied, winning four of the next five games to take the set 6-4, and with it the title. He seemed ready to blast his way through Murray again on his way to another easy set win, but out of nowhere, Murray broke back to love.