Tennis world erupts over never-before-seen Novak Djokovic feat

Novak Djokovic is being hailed across the tennis world as the greatest male player of all time after making more history with a record-extending sixth Paris Masters title.

Djokovic avenged his his US Open final defeat against Daniil Medvedev by beating the Russian 4-6 6-3 6-3 in the Paris final.

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The win gives Djokovic an unprecedented 37th Masters 1000 title - moving him ahead of Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic's heroics in the French capital also ensured he will end the year as World No.1 for a seventh time - beating the record he shared with Pete Sampras.

Djokovic moved one clear of fellow 20-time grand slam winner Nadal for Masters trophies, and nine ahead of Roger Federer, the other tennis great with 20 majors.

The Serbian, who is guaranteed to secure the year-end World No.1 spot for a record seventh time, needed time to adjust to break the world No.2's sturdy defence but was unstoppable once he found his opening.

Djokovic was looking to avoid ending a season without a Masters title for the first time since 2017 and kept his cool throughout to accomplish his mission against the holder.

Medvedev was overwhelmed in the third set and bowed out of the contest on the first match point when Djokovic unleashed a superb forehand winner down the line.

The Serb's incredible slice of history left many fans convinced he'd ended the debate about the greatest player of all time.

Medvedev got off tor a terrific start, with a key break putting him 4-3 up after a splendid sliced backhand at the net.

The Russian then held serve twice to pocket the first set when Djokovic returned long.

Novak Djokovic reigns supreme in Paris

The Serbian, however, turned the tables in the second set, going 3-1 up as Medvedev buried a backhand into the net.

Djokovic eventually took the match into a decider with an ace on his third set point.

He broke for 3-2 courtesy of three unforced errors by Medvedev and stole his opponent's serve again to move 5-2 up.

Second-seeded Medvedev swiped a ball into the crowd in frustration after a fan yelled just as he was serving at 30-40 down in that game, and he pointed to the crowd in frustration at the changeover.

Some rowdy fans have cheered serving errors and double-faults, or shouted just before serves throughout the week.

Chair umpire Aurelie Tourte finally had enough, after her earlier requests for calm and in previous days from other umpires.

"When you see players on the baseline who are just about to serve," she said, "stop making noise for nothing."

A poor service game from Djokovic gifted Medvedev a break back to 5-3.

But on his first match point, Djokovic won a thrilling long rally befitting a great final with a forehand winner deep into the left of the court. He hugged his rival warmly at the net.

"I suffered a lot, well done to you. I really wanted to win but you're so strong," Medvedev said on court in near-fluent French. "I hope we play many matches like this, and we win a few each."

Djokovic celebrated with his wife, his young son and daughter.

"Today was very special for me because my family is here," Djokovic said "It's the first time both of my children are together to watch one of my matches.

with AAP

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