AFP, Paris :
Novak Djokovic’s hopes of ending the season as world number one for a record seventh time are on hold after Daniil Medvedev battled past French qualifier Hugo Gaston 7-6 (9/7), 6-4 to reach the Paris Master semi-finals on Friday.
Djokovic had eased into the last four earlier on Friday, beating American Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-3, and would have been confirmed as season-ending world number one had Gaston beaten Medvedev.
Djokovic has already suffered one crushing disappointment at the hands of Medvedev this year, the Russian dashing his dreams of a Grand Slam sweep when he beat him in the US Open Final in September. That prompted Djokovic to take a seven-week break and he admitted his decision to return this week was down to ensuring he retained the top spot.
“That’s actually the biggest reason why I came here, trying to clinch the year-end No. 1,” said Djokovic.
“Hopefully I can do it during this week. If not, then I’ll have another chance in Turin (ATP Finals November 14-21).”
At one point it looked as if it would be a good Friday for the 20-time Grand Slam champion as Gaston, once again playing well above his ranking of 103, served for the first set.
However, Medvedev broke and then won the tie-break before surging into a 4- 0 lead, and although the 21-year-old Frenchman got a break back the defending champion held his nerve to serve out for the match.
Medvedev emptied his pockets at the end of the match rather than raise his arms in celebration as he usually does, something he said was an “in joke” with his team but was unwilling to share it with the public.
