Novak Djokovic Wins 40th Masters, Draper Triumphs Too
Locker Room
November 5, 2023
Novak Djokovic let out a typically defiant roar as he claimed his 40th Masters victory with supreme composure against Grigor Dimitrov.
Ironically this was one of the Serb’s more straightforward wins a in week full of three-set cliffhangers.
And at the end of all the twists and turns, the cry of the ultimate warrior came from deep within.
This 6-4, 6-3 triumph over a polished fellow eastern European campaigner gave Novak the perfect boost before the ATP Tour Finals and Davis Cup Finals.
Ever the professional, it won’t have gone unnoticed by Djokovic and his camp that British adversary Jack Draper also returned to winning ways.
A Challenger trophy in Bergamo isn’t quite the same thing, admittedly. But Draper has youth on his side as he seeks new heights with a long, hard season drawing to a close.
Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper are tipped to go deep at Wimbledon 2024 next summer too!
But for now, most of the focus is on the evergreen Djokovic and his insatiable desire for silverware.
Novak just won his sixth title of 2023 – and he almost always thinks big. Three Grand Slams and a Masters in Cincinnati had already added to his most important trophy cabinet this year.
Incredibly, the greatest player of all time has won 33 hardcourt matches in 2023 – and lost only one.
We should always remember that he is 36 years old – and often edging out men in their physical prime.
Draper won’t have quite that kind of know-how when he shapes up for the Davis Cup showdown against Serbia later this month.
But he won’t be lacking in confidence after a fourth Challenger title of his career in Italy alone – and fifth in all.
The young Englishman wasn’t short of fighting spirit as he came back from 0-2 and 0-40 in the final set to overcome skilful veteran David Goffin in his latest showpiece win.
Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper won’t be short of support at Wimbledon 2024 in July.
Will you be there to follow one of your heroes at the spiritual home of tennis?
Djokovic is still so hungry – and no wonder. This could well be the final 18 months of his career.
He came back from the brink this week for three-set victories against Andrey Rublev, Holger Rune and initially Tallon Griekspoor of Holland.
Those epics were at the back of his mind when he let out that deep-felt yell after glory over Dimitrov.
Novak explained: ‘It’s incredible to be able to win it, after quite challenging circumstances this week. I basically came back from the brink of losing three matches in a row. I’m very proud.’
Who would bet against the mighty Novak Djokovic making more history at Wimbledon 2024?
Be there to see all-time-greats Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Sir Andy Murray before it’s too late.