Novak Djokovic extends winning streak, wins ticket to quarterfinals of Paris Masters 2023 tennis tournament

Novak Djokovic fought back to beat Tallon Griekspoor 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4 to advance to the Paris Masters quarter-finals. The Serbian extended his winning streak to 15 consecutive matches.

Novak Djokovic nối dài chuỗi trận thắng, giành vé vào tứ kết giải quần vợt Paris Masters 2023

Novak Djokovic (right) competes at the Paris Masters 2023. (Source: Reuters)

Novak Djokovic almost became the latest victim of the Paris Masters as the trend of eliminating top players exploded. However, the Serbian fought back from a set down to stage a dramatic comeback in 2 hours and 40 minutes to book his place in the quarter-finals.

The number one seed started the third round match in good form, quickly breaking to take a 2-0 lead. However, after a series of breakthrough games and seemingly winning the first set quickly, Djokovic suddenly fell behind in the final stages. After taking a 4-2 lead, the Serbian lost four games in a row, allowing Griekspoor to win 6-4 in a surprising way.

Entering the second set, Djokovic stopped the decline by successfully defending his serve games, Griekspoor also did not lose a game and the two players had to decide the winner by a tie-break series.

Djokovic started well with two mini breaks, leading 3-0 and then went on to win 7-2, winning points on all his serves.

In the deciding set, Djokovic took a 3-2 lead after breaking in the fifth game, but Griekspoor successfully broke in the eighth game. Unfortunately, the 23rd-ranked player could not defend the ninth game, losing the service game.

Djokovic quickly seized the opportunity to end the match, he sealed the victory 6-4 by winning the tenth game. The last eight points of the match all belonged to Nole.

After the match, Djokovic revealed he was struggling with a stomach problem, although the Serbian praised Griekspoor's efforts.

"I don't want to take anything away from Griekspoor's performance. He played well," Djokovic said. "Maybe in the third set, Griekspoor was a little bit off but he played at a very high level and I appreciate his effort. If Griekspoor wins tonight, it will be well deserved."

"I started well but I ran out of steam. I've been struggling with my stomach for the last few days with a feeling of unease. I tried to defend my service games to take the second set into a tie-break.

I was lucky with a few good shots. It could have easily gone Griekspoor's way, but overall I played a good tie-break. I felt better in the third set. I'm really happy to overcome this challenge."

With the victory over Griekspoor, Djokovic further consolidated his position as number one in the ATP rankings, increasing the gap with Carlos Alcaraz to 670 points. The Serbian continues to hope to extend his record of winning the Paris Masters to 7 titles and Djokovic's next opponent is Holger Rune.

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