Djokovic Survives Tsitsipas In Paris Masters SF, Rune Stops Auger-Aliassime Streak

Novak Djokovic won his 8th straight match over Stefanos Tsitsipas but had to go the distance in the Paris Masters semifinals.

Djokovic prevailed in a thriller 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(4) to extend his overall win streak to 13.

After splitting the first two sets, Djokovic’s serve was dominant in the decider, but the Serb failed to convert break points on four different chances. Eventually, it was the breaker that settled the deal.

“It’s very sweet, obviously, when you win matches like this against one of the best players in the world,” Djokovic said. “I thought I started the match very well, again, great hitting like yesterday in the quarters. I had chances early on in the second, I didn’t break his serve. The momentum shifted, the crowd got into it. I think he elevated his level of tennis.

“Deservedly so, we went an even battle all the way until the last point, until the last shot. Some incredible points towards the end. I’m just really glad to overcome this challenge.”

Seeking a seventh Paris Masters title, Djokovic will take on Holger Rune. The talented teen toppled Felix Auger-Aliassime snapping the Canadian’s 16-match win streak with a resounding 6-4, 6-2 win to reach the biggest final of his young career.

“It was an unbelievable match from my side today,” Rune said. “I really was sticking to the game plan for the whole match and just taking every chance I got. Putting Felix under pressure, that’s what my game plan was all about, and I managed to do it almost perfectly. I am super proud how I handled everything.”

Rune, who began outside the Top 100, is now on the verge of the Top 10. He’s won 18 of his last 20 matches and has now made the finals in four straight events.

Rune will now try to end Djokovic’s 13-match win streak. Djokovic beat Rune last year at the

“I know him quite well because we have trained on different surfaces,” said Djokovic. “I really like him. Very nice guy, great family, great team of people around him. Fantastic work ethic that he has, and he deserves his success. I followed him the last three, four years, his uprising through the Challenger level and then getting now to Top 15 in the world.”

Djokovic will go for his 91st career title, Rune his 3rd.