Novak Djokovic overcame a horrendous tiebreak to take his revenge over Holger Rune 7-5, 6-7 (3), 6-4 on Friday to avenge his finals loss at the Paris Masters a year ago.
The world No. 1 needed nearly three hours of battle to subdue the 20-year-old Dane who beat him for the title her 2 months ago
Djokovic, 36, missed a chance to close out a trip into the semi-finals in straight sets as Rune saved a match point in the 10th game of the second set, eventually forcing a tiebreak which he won.
Six-time Paris champion Djokovic called the decider “probably the worst one I’ve played this year.”
The Serb ended with 31 winners, with Rune hammering 38.
The winner called the showdown similar to the 2022.iteration between the pair.
But the veteran added: “I work as hard as the young guys – maybe even harder.
“You get the rewards when you are dedicated and have the right mindset.
“I’m still improving my game after 20 years in tennis – I’m hungry for more.”
Djokovic stands an untouchable 31-1 on hardcourts this season.
The winner admitted he had to get adjusted to seeing his former coach Boris Becker in the Rune player box after the pair teamed up last month.
“Rine has been playing much better in the past few weeks since working with Boris.
“It was strange seeing Boris in the opposing box. I wish Holger and him all the best.”
