Paris Masters: Novak Djokovic Holds Off Relentless Andrey Rublev To Set Up Final Against Grigor Dimitrov

Novak Djokovic rallied to defeat Andrey Rublev 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 in a gripping Paris Masters semi-final on Saturday, earning a shot at a record-extending seventh title in the final against Grigor Dimitrov.

The world number one relied on his unflinching powers of recovery to work his way back from a set down before sealing victory when fifth seed Rublev doubled-faulted on match point.

READ: Paris Masters: Grigor Dimitrov Overcomes Stefanos Tsitsipas To Reach Paris Masters Final

Djokovic remains undefeated in nine semi-final appearances at Bercy and stretched his winning run to 17 matches — a streak which includes his record-tying 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open.

His only defeat in his last 31 matches was a five-set loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, which ruined his bid for a calendar Grand Slam.

Djokovic broke to start the match only for Rublev to hit back the next game, drawing a loose backhand from the Serbian at the end of a lengthy rally.

The top seed produced some clutch serving to escape a 0-40 hole to hold for 4-4, but Rublev took his next opportunity with Djokovic trying to stay in the set.

Rublev punished a weak second serve to bring up set point, and he soon surged ahead as Djokovic botched a drop shot attempt.

Djokovic fought off a break point early in the second set but failed to convert any of his four opportunities against a resilient Rublev.

The 36-year-old clung on to win a gruelling point dictated by Rublev to move 4-2 up in the tie-break, then ripped a return winner off his rival’s serve to bring up three set points.

He only needed one, belting an ace out wide to send the match to a third set.

ICC World Cup: Schedule | Results | Points Table | Most Runs | Most Wickets

Djokovic received treatment on his back between sets but did not appear to be hindered as he carved out two break points in the fourth game. Rublev resisted until Djokovic cranked up the pressure with the Russian serving to stay in the match.

Djokovic cracked a sensational backhand winner to start the final game and imposed his will against a faltering Rublev, who hurled his racquet in disgust after a double fault sealed his fate.

The Serbian superstar will bid for a record-extending 40th Masters 1000 title on Sunday against an opponent who is appearing in just his second such final.