PARIS (AP) – Top-ranked Novak Djokovic easily defended his Paris Masters tennis title with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Milos Raonic today.
Djokovic, who did not drop a set during the whole week, claimed the 20th Masters title of his career and won the indoor tournament for the third time, matching the tally of his coach Boris Becker in the French capital.
Unbeaten on an indoors court in two years, the Serb also made a big step in his bid to finish the year at the No. 1 spot for a third time, extending his lead over Roger Federer before the ATP Finals in London from November 9-16.
“This win is for my son, this is the first tournament I won since becoming a dad,” said Djokovic, who returned to action this week after the birth of his son Stefan.
The 23-year-old Raonic, who has never beaten Djokovic in their four meetings, appeared apprehensive and could not convert his few openings.
Djokovic’s only scare came in the first set when Raonic won eight straight points but failed to convert three consecutive break opportunities.
Raonic started with an ace traveling at 223 kph (138 mph) but the Canadian was unable to use his big serve with its usual efficiency.
He was broken immediately after netting an easy backhand volley before Djokovic built a 4-1 lead.
Facing three break points in the next game, Raonic suddenly came to life and saved them all with a series of eight consecutive points. But he missed the chance to come back when Djokovic fended off three break points and moved 5-2 up before closing the set with another break when Raonic shanked a backhand volley.
The top-ranked Serb had received treatment on his right calf at 5-2 but did not seem hampered in his movements afterward.
Djokovic took his opponent’s first service game at the start of the second set and stayed in control until the end although Raonic saved two match points before bowing out.
