A look back at two memorable finals for Novak Djokovic at Paris Masters with absence in Bercy

The absence of Novak Djokovic in the 2024 edition of the Paris Masters has made tennis fans nostalgic and that is why we decided to remember two exciting finals starring the Serbian. A dramatic victory against Gael Monfils in 2009 and a surprise defeat against Russian Karen Khachanov. Both matches remained in the public's memory for their intensity and the level of play shown.

The first match we will be remembering was 15 years ago, when Nole faced the local Gael Monfils in what was quite a battle in the French capital. In a match full of emotion, Djokovic and Monfils went to the limit of their abilities and physical endurance.

The first two sets were decided only in the tie break, Djokovic won the first set 6-2, the Frenchman recovered and took the second set 7-5, leaving the best for the denouement. Finally it would be the Serb who would twist the parity in his favor in an intense third set that would reach the tie break. There Djokovic would win 7-6 (3) to win his first trophy of the tournament. The energy of the Parisian crowd, who fervently supported Monfils, and the quality of play made this match one of the most unforgettable of the tournament.

Another match that marked the prestigious Parisian tournament on fast court was the 2018 final. There, a super enrachado Novak Djokovic reached the final with 22 matches won in a row. The Russian, then world number 18, would surprise everyone by stopping the Serb and crowning himself champion with a resounding straight-sets victory 7-5, 6-4. It was the first Masters 1000 of his career.

Djokovic's absence this year leaves a void in Paris, but his legacy in these epic finals lives on, will we see the Serb competing in the ATP Finals?