Untouchable Novak Djokovic downs Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets for record-extending seventh title at Paris Masters

Though Holger Rune went down in a thrilling final rematch with Novak Djokovic on Friday, he was assisted by the final winner of the evening. With Andrey Rublev rallying past Alex de Minaur, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in the quarterfinals at 1 a.m. local time, it ensured Rune and Alexander Zverev could not be surpassed by outside contenders through any potential outcomes at the pair of ATP 250 events next week.

A year after going 9-8 in ATP Masters 1000 competition, Rublev has stepped up to the plate at the coveted events. The 26-year-old is now 21-7 on the 1000 stage this season, highlighted by his triumph in Monte Carlo (over Rune) and a runner-up finish in Shanghai (l. to Hurkacz).

Going into Turin, Rune holds a lifetime 13-13 record against Top 10 opponents.

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The eight Nitto ATP Finals qualifiers:

Novak Djokovic: he is seeking a record-breaking seventh ATP Finals crown. The Serbian currently shares the record with Roger Federer.
Carlos Alcaraz: Due to make his debut a year after finishing year-end world No. 1 in 2022 despite missing the year-end event.
Daniil Medvedev: The 2020 champion has now qualified for five years running.
Jannik Sinner: The home favorite earned his first outright ticket two years after stepping in for a pair of matches as an alternate.
Andrey Rublev: Will appear for the fourth straight year and aims to build off his first semifinal showing in 2022.
Stefanos Tsitsipas: The Greek won the biggest title of his career when he captured this trophy in 2019 over Dominic Thiem.
Alexander Zverev: The German is the only player besides Djokovic in this year's field to win the tournament multiple times (2018, 2021).
Holger Rune: The Dane and fellow 20-year-old Alcaraz are the youngest pair of qualifiers since 2000.

In Saturday’s Paris semifinals, Djokovic will meet Rublev while Tsitsipas will face Grigor Dimitrov.

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