Novak Djokovic makes Paris Masters final vow after Roger Federer battle
NOVAK DJOKOVIC insists he will be well rested and ready for the Paris Masters final today.
The Serbian endured his longest-ever three-set clash with rival Roger Federer in the semi-finals, eventually winning 7-6 (8-6), 5-7, 7-6 (7-3) in three hours and three minutes.
And the turnaround for the final is tight, with Djokovic facing Russian Karen Khachanov in today’s final at 2pm UK time.
That gives him little over 16 hours’ recovery time as he seeks a 23rd successive win and a fifth title of 2018 - having won Wimbledon, the Cincinnati Masters, the US Open and the Shanghai Masters.
Those triumphs - all since mid-July - mean he is guaranteed to replace Rafael Nadal as world No 1 at the end of the tournament.
But he would undoubtedly like to crown that achievement with a record-extending fifth title in Paris - having never lost a final in the French capital.
And he is confident he will be in good physical condition against Khachanov.
“I’ve been in worse situations I think in terms of the time between the matches and the way I felt,” he told journalists.
“Of course it’s been a three-hour really intense match so it did take some energy out of me.
Of course it’s been a three-hour really intense match so it did take some energy out of me.
“But I know myself, I know I can recover. I’ll make sure I do.”
Khachanov has enjoyed an excellent week with three victories over top-10 opponents before taking on Djokovic and the 14-time Grand Slam champion is well aware of the 22-year-old’s threat.
“Karen deserves [to be] where he is, in the final,” Djokovic added.
“Except one of his matches, he won all of them in straight sets and he’s first time in the final of a Masters.
“He’s been playing some really good tennis - very, very solid from back of the court. Very strong, great serve.
“I think this is the best that I’ve seen him play ever match to match so I’m sure he’s going to be very motivated to win the title.
“There’s nothing to lose. I expect an exciting final.”
Djokovic and Khachanov have met just once before, with Djokovic beating the youngster in straight sets at the round of 16 stage on his way to winning at Wimbledon.