Djokovic final victory goes down to wire

Published on Monday 16 November 2009 09:05

NOVAK DJOKOVIC clinched his first Masters 1000 title of the season at the final event in Paris with a deciding-set tie-break defeat of hometown favourite Gael Monfils.

The Serbian world No.3 had to withstand a stirring fightback from Monfils before clinching a 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 (7/3) triumph.

Djokovic won the first set with ease, breaking the Frenchman twice as Monfils struggled to satisfy the demanding home crowd.

The second was more of a contest. The players exchanged breaks before Monfils upped the tempo once more to claim the Djokovic serve and establish a 6-5 lead.

Monfils took it to a decider with Djokovic making a string of unforced errors as he tried to hit his way out of trouble.

The final set initially swung the way of Djokovic as he broke early for a 2-0 lead after an epic rally.

A break apiece still saw Djokovic 4-1 up before Monfils rallied once more. He held his own delivery before breaking and then holding again to level matters.

The match finally went to a deciding tie-break which Djokovic took control of with a mini-break for a 4-2 lead and he never looked back.