How Will Djokovic Look At The Rolex Paris Masters?

After failing to become the first man to complete the calendar year grand slam since Rod Laver in 1969 at this year’s U.S. Open, how will Novak look in his first tournament back?

The Rolex Paris Masters is the last Masters 1000 event of the year for the ATP Tour, and many are anticipating this tournament because it will be Novak Djokovic’s first tournament since the U.S Open. Novak lost to Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the championship match in New York, and even teared up on the bench in one of the changeovers. After taking some time off to rest physically and mentally, as well as skipping Indian Wells, can he achieve another Masters 1000 victory?

Novak Djokovic is currently tied with Rafael Nadal with 36 Masters 1000 titles in their careers, which is an outstanding number. But the Paris Masters tournament is one of the trickiest on the calendar. Since it’s the last Masters 1000 tournament of the year, some players are injured at this point of the season, or are worn out physically. The green indoor courts in Paris are known for playing very slow and can give the big hitters trouble on the baseline.

These types of courts are generally helpful for Djokovic since he will want to get into baseline rallies and move you side to side and wear you down. But, the same can be said for the number two player in the world, Daniil Medvedev, the defending champion in Paris. I wouldn’t expect Djokovic to have any problems physically since he’s had a month to rest. I think he could be a little rusty for his first few matches, and it remains to be seen if he’ll have any problems mentally.

You could expect Djokovic, Medvedev, and Zverev to be the top three favorites to win the tournament. However, I do think Novak will be motivated to capture another big title and show the tennis world that he’s still the number one player in the sport.

The Rolex Paris Masters begins on Monday, November 1st, with live coverage on Tennis Channel.