Djokovic cruises past Murray in Paris final

Novak Djokovic continued his incredible form as he secured the Paris Masters title for the fourth time with a brilliant 6-2, 6-4 victory in the final against Andy Murray.

With 10 titles in 2015, he is four ahead of Roger Federer.

Djokovic, this year, has become the first man to win six Masters titles in a season, improving on his 2011 tally of five.

“It’s always very physical, also very psychologically demanding (against Murray)”, Djokovic said.

Chasing his 10th title of a brilliant season, the top-ranked Serb clinched his 20th consecutive win and next plays fourth-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland – who beat him in the French Open final to deprive him of all Grand Slam titles this year.

Andrade two-putted from the back fringe on the par-5 18th, holing a 2½-footer for his third victory of the year on the 50-and-over tour. His 27-4 record against players of that ranking this season demonstrates just how great the difference is between he and the rest of the field at the moment. “I try to work on that all the time, because I know that is the only way I’m managing to stay successful”, said the 28-year-old Djokovic after playing in his 14th straight tournament final this year.

Djokovic had dished out a humbling defeat when they met in last month’s Shanghai Masters semi-final and he struck an early blow, seizing a break for a 2-1 lead.

Deploying his versatility, Murray used his crunching backhand, a few slick running strikes and even a serve-volley play fighting off three break points to navigate an 11-and-a-half minute hold for 2-3. “I will do that through until Thursday, and then start practising at the O2 on Friday”.

Murray said afterwards: “Congratulations to Novak, another fantastic week”.

“I think I have a nice balance and serenity in private life that reflects on the professional life, and vice versa”.

Serving for the match, Djokovic clenched his fist and yelled when Murray’s return landed out, giving him match point. Djokovic easily won the first set and broke serve in the opening game of the second, but from 0-2 down Wawrinka lifted his game to dizzying heights to reel off five straight games and frustrate the Serb into breaking one of his racquets. Djokovic has now defeated Murray in six of seven matches this year and in 21 of 30 FedEx ATP head-to-head matches overall.

The second set was a kind of reversal, with Wawrinka getting the break and looking to serve out the match.