By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday, November 6, 2022
Novak Djokovic wasn’t able to finish off another title run at the Paris Masters, but the 21-time major champion is carrying confidence into the final leg of the 2022 ATP season nevertheless.
The 35-year-old dropped a nail biter to 19-year-old Holger Rune on Sunday in Bercy, falling 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, and praised the talented teen for holding his nerve in a match that was filled with tension and drama.
What impressed him the most about Rune on Sunday?
“His fighting spirit,” Djokovic said. “He stayed composed also mentally all the way to the last shot. For somebody who is so young to show this composure and maturity in a big match like this is very impressive. He's had a week of his life, I mean, winning against four or five top-10 players, you know, it's quite impressive.”
Djokovic lamented his chances in the match – he was only able to convert two of his 12 break point opportunities, and he squandered all six that he saw in the final game of the match, but he’s ready to put it behind it and set his sights on finishing the season strong at the ATP Finals in Turin.
“He deserved it,” Djokovic said. “I had so many chances. I mean, all sets. … I had my chances. Had a break in the third, 30-Love. He was brave. He went for some shots. I was not active enough I think with my feet. Some break chances. Just some uncharacteristic mistakes.
“It is what it is. You win some; some you lose. Yesterday I could have easily lost the match against Tsitsipas but I won. Today I didn't. That's okay. It was a very good week.”
Djokovic will bid for his sixth title at the ATP Finals, and his first since 2018.
“Every tournament is important at this stage of my career,” Djokovic said. “Anywhere I play, I try to win. That's not a secret. That's kind of my mentality and approach coming into Torino. I feel very good on the court. You know, I think I'm playing very, very good tennis.
“Of course I'm disappointed with the loss today, but I was very close. It was just very few points that decided a winner. But the level of tennis that I'm playing is high, and I like my chances.”