Novak Djokovic takes down Roger Federer with staggering feat
Novak Djokovic has surpassed a long-standing Roger Federer record following his Round of 32 win at the Paris Masters.
The World No.1 advanced to the quarter-final of the Paris Masters after Gael Monfils withdrew ahead of their scheduled clash.
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But, following his first match back since his loss in the US Open final, Djokovic shook off some rust and defeated Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.
In doing so, Djokovic overtook Federer's record for most wins as World No.1 with 418 ATP match victories.
Federer currently sits one win behind him, while Jimmy Connors is third with 390.
Monfils' withdrawal doesn't count towards his tally.
Most ATP singles wins as World No.1:
1. Djokovic - 418
2. Federer - 417
3. Connors - 390
4. Lendl - 366
5. Sampras - 322
6. Nadal - 250
Another record in the books for @DjokerNole 👏 #RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/ZnfJFjSbLI— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 4, 2021
Djokovic and Monfils had clashed 17 times in their career, with the World No.1 having won every encounter.
The World No.1 is now focusing on his singles tournament after being knocked out of the doubles.
If Djokovic wins the Paris Masters it would guarantee him a record seventh year-end No.1 crown.
Novak Djokovic seeking sixth Paris Masters title
Djokovic, a five-time champion in Paris, will next face unseeded American Taylor Fritz.
Fritz beat Britain's Cameron Norrie 6-3 7-6 (7-3) to damage the British player's chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals.
Fritz departed the French Open in a wheelchair this year but his return to Paris is proving a far happier experience.
The American is on a rich run of form as the season nears its end, the big server reaching the Indian Wells semi-finals and the St Petersburg final last Sunday.
Fritz - who tore his meniscus on the last point of his defeat by Dominik Koepfer at the French Open in June - says his hot run is down to his mentality.
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