Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas - Quarterfinals - Paris Masters - Preview and Prediction

A clash of generations is all set to storm Paris as World number 1, Novak Djokovic locks horns with number 7, Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals tonight.

Key Insights

• Tsitsipas leads the head to head record 2-1 against Djokovic
• Tsitsipas beat Djokovic 3-6 7-5 6-3 in the quarters of Shanghai Masters 20 days ago
• Both Djokovic and Tsitsipas have not dropped a set yet in this tournament
• Djokovic is aiming for a fifth Paris Masters title
• Tsitsipas is the youngest player to beat Federer, Nadal and Djokovic in a season
• If Tsitsipas wins tonight, he will make it a hat-trick of semifinals, Shanghai, Basel and Paris
• Both Djokovic and Tsitsipas have already booked their spot in the year-end ATP Finals

The 16-time Grand Slam champion struggled against the homeboy, Corentin Moutet in the round of 32. The Serb also mentioned that he was not feeling fully fit in the press conference after his win.

In the pre-quarterfinals, Djokovic won the first set 7-6(7) against number 75, Kyle Edmund. He was unstoppable in the second set, winning it 6-1. The rock-solid defence was visible as Djokovic cut down on his unforced errors.

On the other hand, Tsitsipas ousted two Next-Gen players, Taylor Fritz and Alex De Minaur in the round of 32 and 16 respectively. The strategy of taking the early lead and capitalizing on it has worked well for him.

With the courts being fast, he has used his big serve (24 aces in 2 matches) as a weapon to keep the rallies short.

Djokovic will be under a bit of pressure with the No.1 ranking and year-end ranking at stake.

“He is a very good player, has improved, is very professional and trains a lot, reflects positively on his game and is one of the best players in the world, so I’m looking forward to that challenge,” said Novak reflecting on his rivalry against Tsitsipas.

Whatever be the outcome, the clash between the Old Guard and the New Star is taking tennis to the next level.

The electrifying atmosphere would motivate both players to give their best.

Prediction - Novak Djokovic to win in three sets

Cover Image Credits -  Associated Press