Amidst the Paris chaos, Novak Djokovic remains inevitable

In what is often considered one of the most unpredictable Masters 1000 tournaments on the ATP schedule, the 2023 edition ended with a very run-of-the-mill champion, Novak Djokovic. Nole had to show grit on multiple occasions to get to this triumph.

Nole defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-3 in the final to claim the crown. It’s his 40th Masters 1000 triumph. (Yes, you read that right.)

In an event where none of Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev made the quarterfinals, Nole remained the immovable object at the top of the game. By ending a tremendous run from Dimitrov, Djokovic reaffirmed his grip at the top of the world rankings.

It was not all sunshine and rainbows for the World No. 1 this week as he battled through the earlier rounds in matches where he battled crowds, himself, and opponents giving him their best shot. Novak Djokovic struggled with a stomach ailment, for example.

Novak Djokovic takes his 40th Masters 1000 title

However, as he usually does, he found a way to get across the finish line. Whenever he does stop playing he should absolutely give classes on mental toughness because he has no peers there.

Playing a much more selective schedule these days means Nole now will ride an 18-match winning streak that began following his Wimbledon final defeat. He will be roaring into the ATP Finals as the betting favorite. 2023 in tennis continues to just prove that age is merely a number and if you know how to take care of your body and can stay locked in, you can compete for titles for many years.

This final between the 36-year-old Djokovic and the 32-year-old Dimitrov is a prime example as both men were playing some exquisite tennis throughout the tournament. Would you be surprised if we saw multiple players over 32 contending for titles next season? Because it would not shock me at all.

For now, all we can do is continue to appreciate the greatness that Novak Djokovic continues to display for the world. We are so eager for the new generation to take over, maybe we should enjoy what we still have while we can. You can be Djokovic sure is.