Novak Djokovic poses with a trophy after winning the men's singles final match at the Paris Masters in Paris, France, November 5, 2023. /CFP
The debate over who holds the title of the greatest tennis player of all time (GOAT) is no longer in question. As Novak Djokovic enters the final stretch of his career, his focus is not just on proving his superiority, but on widening the gap for future challengers to his throne.
The evidence speaks for itself, especially after the conclusion of the season's last ATP Masters 1000 tournament on Sunday night. By defeating former world number three Grigor Dimitrov in the Paris Masters final, the 36-year-old Serbian claimed his record-breaking 40th Masters trophy, becoming the first player to achieve such a remarkable feat.
In his 58th Masters final appearance, Djokovic encountered little resistance from his Bulgarian adversary, who was vying for the title in only his second Masters final. The 24-time Grand Slam champion showcased his superiority by needing just a single break to clinch the first set.
The second set unfolded in a similar fashion, with Djokovic gracefully gliding towards triumph, securing a double break along the way. His serene and composed performance underscored his utter dominance on the court.
Novak Djokovic reacts after winning the men's singles final match at the Paris Masters in Paris, France, November 5, 2023. /CFP
With his latest win in Paris, Djokovic has now amassed an astounding 70 "Big Titles," including Grand Slam championships, ATP Finals, ATP Masters 1000 titles, and Olympic singles gold medals. In comparison, Rafael Nadal trails behind with 59 "Big Titles," while Roger Federer has only accumulated 54.
This also marked the second occasion in Djokovic's career where he has accomplished the feat of winning both the French Open and the Paris Masters in the same season. Only Andre Agassi has previously achieved this brilliant double.
Additionally, Djokovic's triumph at the Bercy tournament grants him his seventh crown at this prestigious Masters event, solidifying it as his most successful Masters tournament. Miami and Rome closely follow, with Djokovic having triumphed on six occasions at each of these tournaments. Furthermore, his recent victory secured his 97th career title, bringing him closer to the all-time records held by Jimmy Connors (109) and Federer (103).
Novak Djokovic returns a shot during the men's singles final match at the Paris Masters in Paris, France, November 5, 2023. /CFP
As Djokovic enters the twilight of his illustrious career, he seems to have mastered the art of managing his physical demands. Prioritizing his well-being and longevity over immediate gains, he typically limits his tournament participation to just one before a Grand Slam.
The Serb already reigns at the top of both the financial and ranking lists, having triumphed in three out of the four Grand Slam events this year. In a recent press conference before the Paris tournament, Djokovic shared that he had dedicated the past month to focused training, aiming to enhance his precision and accuracy on the court.
He recognized the limited time available for the remainder of the season and diligently prepared himself accordingly. This deliberate approach underscores Djokovic's unwavering commitment to maintaining his competitive edge and securing his legacy in the sport.
Djokovic's next challenge awaits at the highly anticipated ATP Tour Finals in Turin, where he is expected to be the clear front-runner for a sensational seventh title. With his extraordinary track record, he is poised to further solidify his status as the year-end No.1 player in the world, an achievement he has already claimed a record-extending seven times.
Novak Djokovic (L) and Grigor Dimitrov hug each other at the end of the men's singles final match at the Paris Masters in Paris, France, November 5, 2023. /CFP
"I haven't lost a match since the Wimbledon final, so I'm really excited to hopefully finish off the season on a high," said Djokovic. "Clinching the year number one (ranking) and Davis Cup are the two biggest goals."
All eyes will be on the GOAT as he aims to make history once again and etch his name even deeper into the annals of tennis greatness.