Novak Djokovic breaks off interview to console Grigor Dimitrov after Paris Masters win - 'I'm sorry, Grigor'

ByOli Gent

Updated 05/11/2023 at 18:28 GMT

Novak Djokovic apologised to his beaten opponent Grigor Dimitrov in his trophy acceptance speech after winning his seventh Paris Masters title 6-4 6-3. The world No. 1 had already paused his on-court interview to console the crying Bulgarian, who sobbed into his towel as the Serbian spoke. Djokovic has now won his 40th Masters 1000 title on the ATP Tour.

Novak Djokovic apologised to Grigor Dimitrov after the world No. 1 defeated the Bulgarian in the final of the Paris Masters.

The Serbian, who beat his opponent 6-4 6-3 to claim his 40th Masters 1000 crown, had already paused his immediate on-court interview to go over and console the world No. 17, who sobbed into his towel as Djokovic spoke.

Djokovic, who claimed his seventh title on the Paris acrylic, was keen to comfort an emotional Dimitrov in his trophy acceptance speech.

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"I’m sorry about the outcome today, Grigor," he said. "It’s never easy to lose in a final. I want to encourage you to stay tough and keep going, because you’ve been playing some of your greatest tennis this week and in the last few months.

"Congrats to your team and your family. It was a pleasure to share the court with you. We go back a long way, we’re veterans of the tour now. Next gens, or whatever they call it? 30+ gen?

"I would also like to thank my team in English, because they don’t understand French. Thank you for sticking with me this week, we know how challenging it was on and off the court.

"I was on the brink of losing three matches in a row prior to today and you guys helped me with my support on and off the court, with recovery and preparation for the next match. This is your victory as much as mine."

Djokovic 'very proud' after claiming Paris Masters title for seventh time

• Djokovic battles past Rublev to set up Paris Masters final with Dimitrov

A tearful Dimitrov admitted that he had no more words for Djokovic as he took the microphone.

"I’m running out of words for Novak, so I’m going to go to the crowd first. Congrats, buddy," he said.

"I just wanted to say how grateful I am for this amazing week. It’s been such a rollercoaster, the past three months for me. Getting to the final of this tournament means more than you can imagine. It would have been impossible without the support [of the crowd]. I’m so grateful.

"I don’t know what [else] to say [to Djokovic]. Well done? Congrats for another amazing win to you and your team.

"To my team, we’ve had a blast. Thanks to everyone in the box. It’s been an amazing journey this year, completing another year on such a high note, I’m very pleased about that.

"Thank you to all the tournament staff, making it such a special place with an iconic centre court. It was a privilege to play in that final. I cannot find any more words to express that gratitude that I have right now. I’ll keep on going."

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