WATCH: Novak Djokovic’s special handshake with a ballkid after winning the 2023 Paris Masters title over Grigor Dimitrov

Djokovic defeated Dimitrov to lift a record-extending 7th title at Bercy.

WATCH: Novak Djokovic’s special handshake with a ballkid after winning the 2023 Paris Masters title over Grigor Dimitrov

Novak Djokovic celebrating with a ballboy (Image via : @cestlaviemacher/Novak Djokovic / 'X')

World No.1 Novak Djokovic put on a stunning performance under the lights in Paris as he got the better of Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets in the final of the Paris Masters on Sunday. The 24-time Grand Slam champion defeated the Bulgarian 6-4, 6-3 to win his 7th title at the tournament and a record-extending 40th Masters title overall. This was Djokovic’s 6th title of the season and 97th career title overall.

As is the tradition in most tournaments, the newly crowned champion celebrated his win with the ballboys. The Serb made one of the ballboy’s day as he joined hands with the youngster to form a heart shape. The video went viral on the internet as social media users praised the 1st seed for the special gesture.

YouTube video

Here’s the video of the special moment between Novak Djokovic and the ballboy:

FS Video
https://twitter.com/cestlaviemacher/status/1721202739537932489

The World No.1 also went on to address his frosty relations with the crowd in the on-court interview. 

The relationship with the crowd this week was special, we can say that. Thank you anyway because with this energy that was created, I’m here.

For context, Djokovic was booed off the court by the French crowd during his quarter-final encounter against the defending champion Holger Rune. After losing the second set in a tiebreak, the 36-year-old went to the changing room for a toilet break which led to the hostile reception from the crowd. Djokovic found the reaction of the French crowd funny, as he laughed while walking off the court.

Novak Djokovic full of praise for Grigor Dimitrov after defeating him in the final of Paris Masters

1st seed Novak Djokovic reserved praise for his Paris Master final opponent and ‘good friend’ Grigor Dimitrov during the on-court interview. The Serb hailed Dimitrov’s game saying that he played some of his best tennis over the past week and months. While acknowledging that it’s never easy to lose the final, Djokovic motivated the Bulgarian to keep going.

Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov
Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov (Image via: @TheTennisLetter / ‘X’)
It’s always a pleasure to share the court with you. We go back a long time. We’re kind of veterans of the tour right now. Next Gen or whatever they call it. 30+ Gen.
Djokovic further remarked during the title presentation ceremony.

The 36-year-old has enjoyed his time playing against the Bulgarian as improved his head-to-head a stunning 12-1.

The admiration was mutual as Dimitrov ran out of words to praise the Serbian legend. The pair have shared a strong bond on the tour and Djokovic had earlier called Dimitrov the ‘best-looking guy on the tour’.

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