Denis Shapovalov made a significant mark in his career by reaching his first Masters 1000 final at the end of 2019. The 20-year-old Canadian showcased impressive form in Paris, advancing to the title match against four-time champion Novak Djokovic. Although Djokovic had not performed at his best in the early rounds of the tournament, Shapovalov believed he had a chance against the legendary player. However, Djokovic quickly dispelled those hopes, defeating Shapovalov 6-3, 6-4 in just one hour and five minutes, securing his fifth title at one of his favorite events.
Despite struggling physically, Djokovic managed to fend off two break points in the opening set before finding his rhythm. He defeated tough competitors, including Kyle Edmund, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Grigor Dimitrov, to reach the final. As the tournament progressed, Djokovic’s form improved, leaving Shapovalov with little opportunity to capitalize.
This victory marked a comeback for Djokovic, who had lost the previous year’s final to Karen Khachanov. The win in Paris was his 34th Masters 1000 title and brought his ATP title count to 77, tying him with John McEnroe. The victory also earned him 1000 ATP points, narrowing the gap to Rafael Nadal in the ATP Race to just over 600 points.
Djokovic’s performance statistics were impressive. He served at 71% and defended both his first and second serves exceptionally well, dropping only ten points across ten service games. He faced just one break point, which he saved, and consistently applied pressure on Shapovalov. In contrast, while Shapovalov recorded 11 aces and performed admirably on his first serve, he struggled with his second serve, winning only three of 17 points and facing four break points. Djokovic managed to secure a single break in each set, maintaining control throughout the match.
In terms of shot statistics, Djokovic finished with ten winners and seven unforced errors, allowing Shapovalov to dictate the pace of play to some extent, with the Canadian achieving a 24-22 ratio in points. However, Shapovalov was unable to convert this into a competitive advantage, failing to stay close enough to force a tiebreak in either set.
Djokovic excelled in quick exchanges, winning six of eight extended rallies, while Shapovalov kept pace during mid-range exchanges. The Serb won 56% of points off his initial serve, which gave him the freedom to attack on return and apply pressure on his younger opponent.
The match began with Djokovic taking immediate control. He opened with a service winner and quickly generated two break chances in the second game, capitalizing on Shapovalov’s error to take an early lead. Djokovic maintained his advantage, moving ahead 3-0 within eight minutes. Shapovalov finally got on the scoreboard with a service winner, but Djokovic continued to hold serve efficiently, extending his lead to 4-1.
As the first set progressed, Shapovalov managed to hold serve in the sixth game, reducing the deficit to 4-2. However, Djokovic closed out the set 6-3 after 28 minutes, converting his first set point with a serve-and-volley play.
In the second set, Shapovalov started strong, landing an ace on break point and holding serve. Djokovic quickly matched him, and the two players exchanged holds to reach 3-3. However, Djokovic seized the momentum, breaking Shapovalov’s serve in the seventh game and taking a set and a break lead.
Despite facing a break point in the eighth game, Djokovic saved it with a strong serve, maintaining his advantage at 5-3. Shapovalov fought to stay in the match, holding serve to extend the contest. Yet, Djokovic created three match points in the final game and sealed the victory with a forehand winner, lifting his fifth Paris Masters trophy in style.
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