It's the ideal final between the two best players in the world at the moment. And a rarity. It is only the second time in history that the world numbers 1 and 2 have met in the final at Bercy since Stefan Edberg had dominated Boris Becker in 1990. A shock, just under two months after the final of the l 'US Open, where the Russian deprived the Serbian of a calendar Grand Slam. Obviously the stakes are different this Sunday. Djokovic made sure to end the year in world number one on Saturday for a seventh season. A record. Another for the insatiable who can glean another this Sunday. That of number of titles in Masters 1000. The Serbian has 36 titles, tied with Rafael Nadal. A sixth title at Bercy would make him the sole holder of this record. Especially theproud champion wants his revenge.
“I'm ready for a big battle.
Daniil serves strong and doesn't miss much.
I hope I will start better than in New York ”.
Novak Djokovic
“
In Melbourne
(in the Australian Open final)
I dominated him (7-5, 6-2, 6-2). At Flushing Meadows, he was the one who dominated me (6-4, 6-4, 6-4). I am ready for a big battle. Daniil serves strong and doesn't miss much. I hope I start better than in New York. Both times, the matches were rather one-sided. I saw him play a bit against Zverev
(in the second semi-final)
: he plays fantastic tennis. He's back at his best, makes few mistakes and serves very hard.
"
The Serbian is full of praise for his opponent of the day:"
I'm really not surprised at his success at the US Open.
As soon as he has the rhythm in the service, he finds his zones very easily.
And he improved tremendously on the forehand.
And he's a great professional, who knows how to use the geometry of the court.
"
Read also Rolex Paris Masters: impressive, Medvedev extinguishes Zverev
Medvedev, teasing, launches hostilities: "
If we meet, it's good for both of us, since we can only do it in the final
(they are seeds N.1 and N.2, editor's note)
,
he believes.
I
like to play against him, I don't know if he likes to play against me.
"
Read alsoNovak Djokovic, the record hunter strikes again
The Russian, who has won 19 of his last 20 indoor matches, is almost a favorite against the man with 20 Grand Slam titles. Before the start of the Parisian Masters 1000, the two men had trained together at the Mouratoglou academy. “
We had a good session and we talked to each other afterwards, it was a real pleasure.
The Russian refuses to say who won. Djoko says a little more: “
In training, ten days ago, we played a very tight set. I hope for the spectators that we have an exciting match on Sunday.
"Same story with Medvedev If he is led 5-4 in their confrontations, the Russian has however won four of their last six duels. He does not hesitate to let go:"
Against some players, we have the feeling that, because we won a few months ago, we can keep this momentum going.
But not with Novak
”.