PARIS (REUTERS) - Novak Djokovic won a record-extending sixth Paris Masters title by avenging his US Open final defeat against Russian Daniil Medvedev with a 4-6 6-3 6-3 victory in Sunday's (Nov 7) showpiece match.
The Serbian, who is guaranteed to secure the year-end world No. 1 spot for a record seventh time, needed time to adjust to break the world No. 2's sturdy defence but was unstoppable once he found his opening.
Djokovic was looking to avoid ending a season without a Masters title for the first time since 2017 and kept his cool throughout to accomplish his mission against the holder.
Medvedev was overwhelmed in the third set and bowed out of the contest on the first match point when Djokovic unleashed a superb forehand winner down the line.
Sunday's triumph secured Djokovic a record 37th Masters title.
"I already closed that (New York) chapter, to be honest. I'm not regretting it, really. I'm not spending days suffering because I didn't take the calendar slam this year," he told a news conference.
"I'm very relieved that the calendar, that the Grand Slam season was done, because I felt a tremendous pressure unlike anything I felt in my life.
"So it was an interesting experience, and I'm very satisfied with the way I played in Grand Slams, three wins and a final. I mean, there is much more positive things to be grateful for and to look at than negative."
On Sunday, Djokovic remained unflappable despite losing the opening set as he set another record.
"I have always been honest enough to say that the history of our sport is too big a motivation," he said.
"It is an objective, yes, to prove that I can break all the records with all the results that I can obtain on the tour professionally.
"So, yes, I love breaking records. I'm very motivated to carry on. My priority is the Grand Slams and Masters 1000 where you can gain the largest number of points. This is an added benefit of our sport."
Djokovic will now set his sights to the Nov 14-21 ATP Finals in Turin, where he will be looking to match Roger Federer's record haul of six titles at the season-ending event.
