PARIS –
Novak Djokovic will finish the yr at No. 1 for a document seventh time after rallying to beat Hubert Hurkacz 3-6, 6-0, 7-6 (5) within the Paris Masters semifinals on Saturday.
Djokovic, who additionally stays on target for a record-extending sixth Paris Masters title, moved one forward of American Pete Sampras, who secured his six prime year-end finishes from 1993-98.
“That was the aim this week. I am very proud to complete the season as No. 1,” Djokovic mentioned. “It is a dream, actually, as a result of Sampras was such an idol for me after I was younger. He motivated me to choose up the racket and do that sport.”
Djokovic additionally completed the yr prime in 2011-12, 2014-15, 2018 and 2020.
Djokovic eclipsed Roger Federer’s all-time mark of 310 weeks at No. 1 on March 8 and can end 2021 having held the highest rating for 348 weeks.
One other win on Sunday will give Djokovic a document thirty seventh Masters title to maneuver one away from fellow 20-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal.
The highest-ranked Serb has additionally reached a record-extending seventh remaining right here, the place he faces Russian Daniil Medvedev after shedding to him in straight units within the U.S. Open remaining two months in the past. Djokovic had not performed since.
Second-seeded Medvedev routed No. 4 Alexander Zverev — the Olympic champion — 6-2, 6-2 for a fourth straight win in opposition to him, having additionally overwhelmed him in final yr’s remaining. They’re now 5-5 general.
Medvedev, the defending champion, was scientific.
He sealed the primary set on the first go when Zverev returned his robust second serve into the online and victory on his first match level at 40-15 when Zverev might solely pat a powerful serve large.
“He is been enjoying improbable tennis,” Djokovic mentioned of Medvedev. “He is not lacking a lot and serving massive.”
Djokovic was in his 71st Masters semifinal and Hurkacz simply his second.
However Hurkacz cast the primary break level of the match within the eighth recreation and took it with a backhand volley on the web for 5-3.
Djokovic had an opportunity to interrupt again with Hurkacz 30-40 down within the subsequent recreation, however the Serb made two sloppy unforced errors and Hurkacz took the primary set on his second set level with a powerful first serve that Djokovic returned lengthy.
Djokovic hit again in an imperious second set and took management of the decider with a powerful service recreation to maneuver 4-1 up.
However Djokovic’s double-fault within the seventh recreation gave Hurkacz two break factors. Djokovic sarcastically applauded the gang after a few of them had cheered his double-fault. The Parisian crowd had additionally loudly cheered errors and double-faults from gamers who had been up in opposition to Frenchman Hugo Gaston on Thursday and Friday.
Djokovic was rather more comfy holding for a 5-4 lead, and sat in a meditative pose throughout the changeover.
Serving to remain within the match, Hurkacz was at deuce when Djokovic edged a 25-shot rally to forge a primary match level.
He saved it on second serve when Djokovic’s backhand landed simply large. He then held with an ace for 5-5.
The tiebreaker was shut at 5-5 when Hurkacz’s unfastened forehand into the online gave Djokovic a second match level and he clinched victory when Hurkacz’s sliced backhand at full stretch landed simply large.
Djokovic beat his chest thrice and let loose a roar as he celebrated his victory, then applauded his opponent off courtroom.
“What a match, numerous depth,” Djokovic mentioned. “It was very shut.”
Hurkacz broke into the Prime 10 for the primary time final month and has certified for the eight-man season-ending ATP Finals, which begin on Nov. 14 in Turin.
Djokovic can even be searching for a record-equaling sixth ATP Finals title to tie with Federer.
