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