Published6. November 2023, 2:27 p.m
Tennis: Djokovic breaks off interview because opponent is crying
Novak Djokovic gives goosebumps after his tournament victory in Paris-Bercy by consoling Grigor Dimitrov after his defeat in the final.
von
Florian Gnägi
1 / 5
Grigor Dimitrow had no chance against Novak Djokovic.
AFP
Afterwards, tears flow from the Bulgarian.
AFP
Dimitrov last won a tournament at ATP level six years ago.
REUTERS
Pure emotions in Paris-Bercy! Grigor Dimitrow (ATP 14) gave free rein to his emotions after the defeat (4:6, 3:6) in the final of the Masters 1000 tournament against Novak Djokovic (ATP 1) and cried like a castle dog on the players’ bench. Djokovic noticed his opponent’s outburst of emotion and even briefly interrupted his winner’s interview to console the Bulgarian.
A sporting gesture for which the Serb received a lot of recognition from the Paris audience, who greeted the scene with frenetic cheers. During the week, Djokovic and other players such as Daniil Medvedev (ATP 3) repeatedly had to contend with whistles from fans in the French capital.
Chaos of emotions with Dimitrov
«I’m not ashamed of the tears. “It just happened,” Dimitrov explained afterwards. It was a mix between tears of joy and frustration over the defeat, he added. «I don’t want to see the tears as something negative. After all, I’m only human,” said the 32-year-old.
The tennis crack, also known as “Baby Federer”, last won a tournament in 2017 when he sensationally triumphed at the ATP finals. In Paris he showed his best tennis in years and defeated several top shots on the way to the final of the prestigious indoor tournament, including Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas (ATP 5).
Records from Connors and Federer at a glance
Despite his strong form, Dimitrow had nothing to gain against Djokovic. In the thirteenth meeting he lost to the 24-time Grand Slam champion for the twelfth time. “Especially today his class was amazing,” Dimitrow praised his opponent, who is still keen on setting new records.
In Paris, the 36-year-old Djokovic won his 40th Masters tournament and his 97th title at ATP level. This means he is still twelve shy of Jimmy Connor’s legendary record of 109 titles. “Why shouldn’t I try to break this record too?” said Djokovic after his triumph in Paris.
Novak Djokovic is eager to continue breaking records.
AFP
The superstar has the chance to win title number 98 in just a few days. From November 12th, the eight best tennis professionals will duel in Turin at the ATP Finals. If Djokovic triumphs here too, he would overtake Roger Federer as the record winner of the event with his seventh title.
“L’essentiel” on WhatsApp
Subscribe to our new one WhatsApp-Channel via link click or QR scan, activate the small 🔔 and receive one News overview as well as exciting stories and entertainment at the end of the day.
2023-11-06 13:41:36
#Tennis #Djokovic #breaks #interview #opponent #crying
