“I was born ready,” Novak Djokovic shuts down reports of forcing himself for the Paris Masters following nervy win over Holger Rune

Novak Djokovic reaffirms that he is fit and fine to play at the Paris Finals.

“I was born ready,” Novak Djokovic shuts down reports of forcing himself for the Paris Masters following nervy win over Holger Rune

Novak Djokovic after Cincinnati win (Image Credits: Zuma Press/PA Images)

Novak Djokovic has shut down reports that he is forcing himself to play in the Paris Masters, despite struggling with a stomach bug. The world no. 1 defeated Holger Rune 7-5, 6-7 (3), 6-4 in a nervy quarter-final on Friday, and said afterwards that he felt “fresh and ready” for his next match.

If I wasn't ready, I wouldn't be there. As they say, I was born ready. When you're dedicated, you have the reward. I'm still hungry so ready for more.
Djokovic to press after win over Rune
YouTube video

Djokovic’s comments come after he admitted earlier this week that he has been struggling with a stomach bug. This caused the Serbian to spend more time on the toilet than on the court in the past three days. However, the world no. 1 showed great resilience to come back from a set down to defeat Tallon Griekspoor 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4 at the Paris Masters.

Just the energy levels were very low the last few days and I’m taking it day by day. Today is probably the worst day so I’m just hoping that tomorrow will be better, that the curve will start going in the right direction for me.

After dropping the first set, Djokovic called for the doctor and admitted that Thursday was the worst day so far for his stomach bug. However, he was able to find a way to win, despite being booed by some of the crowd towards the end of the match.

FS Video

Novak Djokovic defeats Holger Rune at the Paris Masters

Djokovic and Holger Rune staged a thrilling battle at the Rolex Paris Masters on Friday, with the World No. 1 eventually emerging victorious in three sets, 7-5, 6-7 (3), 6-4. The Serb was the first to break serve in the match, but Rune broke back immediately. The two players traded breaks throughout the set, but Djokovic eventually broke Rune for a third time to win the set 7-5.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Credits: ATP Tour)

Rune bounced back strongly in the second set, breaking Djokovic’s serve early on. He held on to his break advantage to win the set 6-7 (3) in a tiebreak.

The third set was just as close as the first two, with both players trading breaks. However, Djokovic managed to break Rune’s serve in the final game of the match to win 6-4. The Serb will now face Andrey Rublev in the semi-finals of the tournament.

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