Novak Djokovic defeats Grigor Dimitrov 7-65 6-4 in the semifinal in Paris on Saturday. Djokovic will face Denis Shapovalov in the final.
Score, report, and key facts
1st set.
Nothing could divide these 2 players in this set and therefore the pair went to fight for it in the breaker. Finally, Novak won the breaker at 5 after he was 3-5 down.
2nd set.
The set was pretty even as both sides managed to hold the serve. The only difference was 1 break that Djokovic conquered in the 5th game (3-2) before winning the set (6-4).
Statistics
At the end of the match, Djokovic scored 63 points vs. Dimitrov’s 59 points.
Djokovic served extremely well to win 85% of the points (34/40) behind his first serve, and he won 64% points (14/22) on his second serve. Novak didn’t lose the concentration in converting 50% of the break points that he conquered (1/2). On the other side, Dimitrov wasn’t able to conquer any break point. That was one of the key issues for his defeat.
After this contest, the head to head between Djokovic and Dimitrov is 9-1 for Novak.
Highlights Novak Djokovic vs. Grigor Dimitrov BNP Paribas Masters – Paris
Djokovic’s Interview
After the match, Nole commented:
“He [Dimitrov] was probably the better player in the tie-break. [He was up] 5/3 and 5/4, serving twice, I managed to get returns into play and just make him play an extra shot… We both really understood the importance of clinching the first set so we could feel a bit more relaxed in the second and start swinging through.
In the beginning of the second set, I was focused. I did well and managed to break his serve and hold my serve really well towards the end.”
It is very satisfying honestly because I haven’t really been feeling my best throughout the week. But I’ve been playing really well the past couple of matches. I am looking forward to the final tomorrow.”
Prediction: Novak Djokovic vs. Denis Shapovalov
Djokovic will fight against Shapovalov in the final.
This will be the 4th time that Novak Djokovic and Denis Shapovalov clash against each other. The head to head is 3-0 for Djokovic (see full H2H stats), but they have never competed against each other on I.hard.
The last time that they squared off, Djokovic won 6-3 6-3 in the 2nd round in Shanghai back in October 2019.
Prediction: Novak is expected to win in straight sets.
Djokovic about Shapovalov
Nole had great words about Shapovalov during the press conference that followed Dimitrov’s win. Talking about their last match in Shanghai, the world no.1 commented:
“Denis is very dangerous player. If he has time, if he’s feeling the ball well, it can be a tough match. He was serving really well, making a high percentage of first serves, and it was just really difficult to return in the first set, so it took me a little bit of time to really adjust and start reading his serve a little bit better.”
Then Djokovic added:
“I think Denis reduced his unforced errors. His game has always been there and, especially this year, he’s improved even more. He has played some impressive tennis, yesterday especially against Monfils. I’m looking forward to the final. Hopefully I will be able to get the best out of myself tomorrow.”
Tennis Scores in Paris
- Denis ShapovalovShapovalov – Rafael NadalNadal (w/o)
- Novak DjokovicDjokovic – Grigor DimitrovDimitrov (7-65 6-4) – See score progression
Upcoming matches
- Novak DjokovicDjokovic – Denis ShapovalovShapovalov (3-0) – See H2H details
