By Chris Oddo | Wednesday November 2, 2016
World No.1 Novak Djokovic opened his Paris title defense with a breezy straight-sets win over Gilles Muller.
Photo Source: Dan Mullan/Getty
Novak Djokovic is back in action for the first time since the Shanghai Masters, and the World No.1 showed some efficient form on Wednesday as he set up a third-round clash with Grigor Dimitrov by easing past Gilles Muller, 6-3, 6-4.
More: Tsonga, Pouille Move Forward in Paris
The Serb was untroubled on serve over the course of the 80-minute match. He saved the only break point he faced and dropped only three first-serve points against Muller.
Djokovic broke twice in four opportunities in improving to 10-0 lifetime against Muller in sets and 4-0 overall.
The World No.1 wins his 60th match and has now won 60 matches or more in ten consecutive seasons.
Djokovic has now won 16 in a row at the Paris Masters and is looking to secure his grip on the year-end World No.1 ranking here. He is bidding to finish a season at No.1 for the third straight year and for the 5th time in the last six seasons. He has held the top spot 122 weeks consecutively since July 7, 2014, and for a total of 223 weeks (fifth-most all-time).
In his box during the match was Pepe Imaz, along with Djokovic’s brother Marko. Imaz has been getting a lot of attention after a video featuring Djokovic speaking at a meditation seminar with Imaz surfaced this week in many mainstream media outlets.
Murray, bidding for his 70th win today against Fernando Verdasco, could pass Djokovic in the rankings if he wins the title and the Serb does not reach the final. The Scotsman has won 15 matches in succession.
Race to London Becoming Clearer
Dominic Thiem’s straight-sets loss to Jack Sock has opened the door for other players to go through. Marin Cilic, David Goffin, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga all advanced to keep hopes alive, while Lucas Pouille and Roberto Bautista Agut were eliminated.
Cilic can guarantee his spot with a trip to the semifinals. Berdych (advanced on Tuesday with a win over Joao Sousa) can guarantee his spot with a trip to the final. Goffin still has slim hopes, but will face Marin Cilic in the next round in a must-win. Here’s a look at all the scenarios: