Big gesture after victory in Paris: Djokovic interrupts TV interview and comforts his rival

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Novak Djokovic (36) wins his sixth title in Paris-Bercy this year, his fifth at a major tournament (Grand Slam, Masters, ATP Finals). In this category, the Serbian increased the record to 70 titles (24 Grand Slams, 40 Masters, 6 ATP Finals).

The endless joy on one side is the suffering for the player on the other. And this Sunday features Grigor Dimitrov (32). The Bulgarian has been waiting for a title on the tour since the 2017 ATP Finals. Until the final in Paris, he has played only two finals since, losing to Roger Federer (42) in Rotterdam in 2018 and to Nicolas Jarry (28) this year in Geneva. The number 15 in the world is now clearly taking the missed victory in the French capital into account.

Djokovic comforts Dimitrov, fans applaud

While Djokovic goes to the winner’s interview with TennisTV, Dimitrov sits on the couch and cannot hold back the tears. The world number one sees this too – and immediately interrupts the TV conversation. The 36-year-old rushes to his opponent and comforts him.

When Djokovic addressed Eurosport afterwards, thunderous applause echoed through the Accor Arena and the fans were also keen to cheer Dimitrov up. The Serbian also responds to the audience’s applause and joins in. And lo and behold: Dimitrov can laugh again.

“I want to encourage you to stay strong”

When the trophy was handed over, the Grand Slam record holder then addressed the Bulgarian, against whom he had lost only one of thirteen direct meetings (2013 in Madrid): “I’m sorry for the way things went today. It’s never easy to lose a final. But I want to encourage you to stay strong.”

Dimitrov played “the best tennis” he had ever seen from him last week, Djokovic said. Finally, he jokes: “It’s always a pleasure to share the space with you, and it has been that way for years. We are, so to speak, the veterans on the tour.” (ch)

Source : Blick