Paris Masters Outright Tips: Djokovic the man to beat in the French capital

Novak Djokovic’s season is not over, but the Serbian is certainly happy with his success so far in 2023 as he gets ready for the Rolex Paris Masters, the final ATP Masters 1000 event of the year.

“I obviously had a fantastic year so far, winning three out of four Slams and playing another final in Wimbledon. At the beginning of the year I was saying that Grand Slams are the priorities. They still remain the priorities also for the next season and the tournaments where I want to do my best,” Djokovic said. “So I couldn’t ask for a better season, to be honest. One match away from winning all four Slams is something I would sign right away at the beginning of the season if someone told me that would be the case.”

The Serbian owns 24 major crowns and 39 Masters 1000 trophies (six in Paris-Bercy), but his love for the game and desire to continue challenging for those titles keeps him motivated. Djokovic is also pursuing an eighth ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by Pepperstone honour.

“Of course my greatest motivation is still love for the game. I really like competing. So as simple as that. Then I always have goals, and to win another Slam, to be No. 1 again, to finish the year as No. 1. Those are let’s say the big goals,” said Djokovic, who will play Tomas Martin Etcheverry or Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round in Paris. “Of course next year is Olympic Games. I really want to do well in Olympic Games, represent my country. Davis Cup is something that still gives me a lot of inspiration

“Of course any tournament where I play, I want to win, no doubt. But the big goals are the ones that I mentioned. So I think it’s important to have clarity, to have goals and ambitions and move towards them.”

Recent news in the tennis world involved a former member of Djokovic’s team: former World No. 1 Boris Becker. The German, who helped the Serbian reach some of his greatest heights, is now coaching Holger Rune, who defeated Djokovic in last year’s Paris final.

“I think it’s a very good decision from Holger to invite Boris to join his team. Boris is legend of our sport, someone that understands the game so well from a player’s perspective, coaching perspective,” Djokovic said. “He’s been around the game for so many years. He’s seen and played against different players in different generations. Incredibly intelligent, smart man, very confident, obviously composed. He was famous for his mental strength and ability to come up with his best game when he was facing the biggest pressure.”

Djokovic explained that it is one thing to reach the Top 10 and another to begin winning majors and climb to the very top. He has already noticed Becker integrating one thing into Rune’s routine: chess.

“I saw they are playing chess. That was the first thing that Boris introduced to our team, as well, playing chess,” Djokovic said. “I think it’s great for focus and I think just mental clarity and strategy.”