Djokovic, Murray Clash on Horizon Next Week at ATP Paris Masters

by Staff | October 29th, 2016, 1:55 pm
  • 9 Comments

How motivated and focused is world No. 1 Novak Djokovic to win a fourth straight Paris Masters title and take a big step toward fending off No. 2 Andy Murray and securing the year-end No. 1 ranking?

“It’s not over yet,” Djokovic said during the run-up. “There are a couple of big tournaments still along the way in Paris and London. I’ll try to get ready for indoor season where I always, in the last couple of years, played pretty well. I’ll try to get better.”

Paris is also big for Dominic Thiem, Tomas Berdych, David Goffin, Marin Cilic and Roberto Bautista Agut who are the leaders to claim one of the two remaining spots for the year-end ATP championships.


Here’s a look at the field:

BNP PARIBAS MASTERS
Paris, France; Surface: hard

Seeds: Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka, Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori, Dominic Thiem, Tomas Berdych, David Goffin, Marin Cilic, Roberto Bautista Agut, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet, Lucas Pouille, Grigor Dimitrov, David Ferrer, Pablo Cuevas

Floaters: Nicolas Mahut, John Isner, Gilles Simon, Feliciano Lopez

Notes: The 16 seeds receive opening-round byes…

Seven of the Top 10 players are in the field minus the injured Roger Federer and Gael Monfils, and Nick Kyrgios who is suspended from the tour for lack of effort…

World No. 1 Djokovic starts against either Nicolas Almagro or Gilles Muller, then likely facing No. 14 Dimitrov…No. 2 Murray will start against either Fernando Verdasco or a qualifier, then likely No. 13 Lucas Pouille…

Potential tough starts for (8) Goffin vs. Mahut, (15) Ferrer vs. Isner, (10) Bautista Agut vs. Simon, and (13) Pouille vs. Lopez…

Wildcards were awarded to Frenchmen Adrian Mannarino, Paul-Henri Mathieu and Stephane Robert…

Players withdrawing from the field were Federer, Kyrgios, Monfils, Rafael Nadal, Sam Querrey, Bernard Tomic and Alexander Zverev…

Djokovic in last year’s final rolled past Murray 6-2, 6-4…

Former champs in the field are Djokovic (2015-13,’09), Ferrer (2012), Tsonga (2008), and Berdych (2005).


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9 Comments for Djokovic, Murray Clash on Horizon Next Week at ATP Paris Masters

Wog Boy Says:

For Nole fans, my friend sent me this article, nice read, “Why Djokovic Deserves More Respect “:

http://lastwordontennis.com/2016/10/19/629/

October 29th, 2016 at 4:29 pm


Daniel Says:

I had my concerns about Murray and #1 but now that Ferrer withdraw giving Murray a walkover and in another final starting to think he will wrap #1 this year.

If he wins Viena he will be 415 pts from Djoko and with 3 straight ties and 6 of the last 9 (dating back to Queens, Olympics included). He will be 415 pts from Djoko, he will just needs to make more pts than Djoko in 2 tourneys.

Yes, Murray doesn’t shine in Paris and London whereas Djoko shines, but as Djoko’s is “rusty” and Murray sky high, I think he will be the safe bet. Will see.

October 29th, 2016 at 4:44 pm


Wog Boy Says:

If Nole was desperate to keep #1 he would have played Basel or Vienna, or even Beijing, but he is true to himself. He hasn’t done it 2013 when Rafa was chasing year end #1, he hasn’t done it in 2012 after Wimbledon when he could temporarily stop Roger from getting back to #1.
Nole is being Nole, “that’s the way I like it”;)

October 29th, 2016 at 4:56 pm


Wog Boy Says:

^^^
and if you look at the photo in this article that Jelena posted on her Instagram (scroll down) Nole really looks “worried” about #1, family problems etc;)

http://www.srbijadanas.com/zena/porodica/najslada-slika-porodice-dokovic-ikada-pogledajte-cemu-nole-i-jelena-uce-stefana-u-bazenu-foto-2016-10-29

October 29th, 2016 at 5:13 pm


J-Kath Says:

WogBoy

Give Noel a break. He wasn’t up to Basel or Vienna – he was worn out/or not mentally up to par. Even if he doesn’t recover by Paris, he’ll win the WTF. As I’ve said before Andy might go into the WTF as No.1 and come out as No. 2. – and I’m an Andy fan (in case I’ve forgotten).

PS: Not all that comfortable with a passionate kiss being highlighted though.

We’ve got an extra hour in bed tonight here in UK – nothing good for me in that.

October 29th, 2016 at 6:57 pm


Wog Boy Says:

JK,

I gave Nole break since USO lasto year, since then everything is bonus…the only time I don’t give him a break is when he plays Roger, can’t help it;)

What kiss you are talking about?

October 29th, 2016 at 7:57 pm


J-Kath Says:

Wogboy

@ 5.13pm. But forget it – I’m a bit jaded these days.

As for Roger – he’ll probably do OK on his return but will he able to win a slam? Doubt it.

October 30th, 2016 at 4:17 am


Danica Says:

Wog Boy,

That’s a GREAT article you posted. Thank you. And of course, spot on.

October 30th, 2016 at 4:41 am


Van Persie Says:

WB,

a great article indeed. Thanks for sharing

October 30th, 2016 at 2:34 pm

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