Djokovic Fights Off Pesky Ferrer For Second Career Paris Title, Keeps No. 1 Hopes Alive

by Staff | November 3rd, 2013, 5:45 pm
  • 15 Comments

Novak Djokovic overcame break deficits in both sets to turn away David Ferrer 7-5, 7-5 in the final of the Paris Indoors Sunday.

The win was Djokovic’s 40th career title, second at the event and 16th Masters 1000. And it was also his 200th career Masters 1000 match victory.

“I knew that coming into the match I’m going to have to work for my points,” said Djokovic who now leads Ferrer 11-5 in their series. “He’s a great competitor, one of the most respected guys on tour because he works hard and he’s very humble and he’s a very nice person.


“It was very physical, trust me. But in the last few games of both sets it was mental in the end, just trying to show your opponent that you’re there, that you want to attack, that you want to take your opportunities.”

The title also keeps Djokovic alive in the hunt for the No. 1 ranking. Rafael Nadal, who lost to Ferrer yesterday, still leads but the Serb has a chance to overtake him by winning in London.

Djokovic has won his last 17 titles and goes into the Finals surfing a wave of confidence.

“I am definitely playing the best tennis this year now,” said Djokovic. “I’m playing on a very high level and have lots of confidence in myself, in my game.”

Ferrer, who was defending his 2012 Paris title having won nine straight matches at the event, has finished runner-up at his last three tournaments (Valencia, Stockholm, Paris).

“I think it was a really good match, really good rallies,” said Ferrer who led by a break early on in both sets. “I played maybe better than yesterday, and I lost.

“I am happy with my game, because the last few tournaments I [played well] and I am happy with myself. Now I want to relax and be with my team, and tomorrow I travel to London for the last tournament of the season.”


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15 Comments for Djokovic Fights Off Pesky Ferrer For Second Career Paris Title, Keeps No. 1 Hopes Alive

Patson Says:

Frankly I don’t like the fact that a word like ‘pesky’ is being used for a player who reached the finals. He isn’t a mosquito.


Hawkeye Says:

Derogatory.


Humble Rafa Says:

He isn’t a mosquito.

Mosquito had retired. Just so you know.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

At the end of the day, it is he and Rafa that define the top of the game right now. Rafa has already had about as successful indoor season as he ever has. The loss to Ferrer is unexpected but not a step backward for Rafa.
Novak is the favourite for WTF, in my opinion, simply due to Rafa’s lack of success there, no matter the kind of year he has.


Tennis X Hippy Chic Says:

Patson i agree its a bit disrespectfull to say that about Daveed,hes an acomplished top 3 player,its not like Nole has some god given right to win the title,he has to work for it like everyone else.


Andrea Says:

Bummer for ferrer….Novak dialed it up just that bit extra each time at 5-4. Kind of uncanny how each set played out the same way. One thing ferrer doesnt have that Novak does is the consistentcy on creating crazy angles to put away winners. Ferrer is very dogged in getting balls back in play, but I noticed Novak was winning lots of points with with power and angles.

Be interesting to see how nadal does at the finals. It’s also uncanny how he seems to run out of steam every year during this final swing.


Giles Says:

Hardly “uncanny”! He invests all his energy up to and including the USO. Bound to be knackered this part of the season and especially this year after all he has achieved.
#VamosRafa


Michael Says:

Congrats to Novak for his third Masters series title for the year. He is finishing the year in style. The good thing for him is that he still has some slim chance to finish the year as No.1 and everything will depend upon his performance in the World Tour Finals and also Rafa’s.


Michael Says:

Poor Ferrer. He could have won the match in straight sets as he was just one service game away in both sets. But, he couldn’t complete the job and Novak held firm. Nevertheless, he played a superb match and gave Novak all the fright. Credit to him for he was very close to the magical back-to-back victories of beating both Rafa and Novak.


metan Says:

Congrats to Nole and all his fans in this forum past and present. Special for Courbon you must be happy. Nole confidence is double heading to WTF. Btw. I said adje Nole yesterday. Still hurts??:'(


tennisfan Says:

What scenario would have to play out for Novak to clinch No.1 ranking?


andrea Says:

@ giles

with the WTF being the highest amounts of points and prestige after all the GS’s, you’d think rafa would save some energy for this event but he’s fallen flat every year….which is an interesting hiccup in his career.

considering how competitive he is, his tendency to play sub par tennis at this event is puzzling. i don’t buy your argument that he only focuses on the year up to the USO. that’s counter to his ‘play every point like it’s the last’ MO. he certainly comes alive during clay season, but that can’t surprise anyone.


hawkeye Says:

Comes alive on hard courts (outdoors that is) this year better than anyone else too, no?

Selective memory is a curse, no?


Giles Says:

That’s right, “he certainly comes alive every clay season” but that is during the spring/summer whereas post USO is already coming towards the end of the season. Probably no gas left in the tank!! “sub par tennis”? Not his favourite surface, but then you don’t need me to tell you that!!
Vamos Champ!!


courbon Says:

@ metan: Thank you.I’ v seen ‘Ajde Nole’ and I was very pleased with you.(:-
If you ever fell down a bit, let me know and I can shout couple of ‘Vamos’ for you.

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