MATCH REPORT | 2023 Paris Masters: Novak DJOKOVIC defeats defending champion Holger RUNE to secure semi-finals spot

Novak Djokovic avenged last year's final and defeated Holger Rune 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-4 at the Paris Masters.

A rematch of the 2022 Paris-Bercy final unfolded in the quarterfinals, with Holger Rune challenging the world No. 1, Novak Djokovic.

The Serbian extended his winning streak to 15 matches after claiming titles at the Masters 1000 Cincinnati Open and the US Open. 'Nole' had already comfortably defeated Tomas Martin Etcheverry (6-3, 6-2) and fought through a battle with Tallon Griekspoor (4-6, 7-6, 6-4).

Rune, who had experienced inconsistent results in the past few months since the return of hardcourt tournaments, reached the semifinals of the Swiss Indoors last week (where he was defeated by Felix Auger-Aliassime). He arrived in Paris with increased confidence, looking to defend his title and secured wins over Dominic Thiem (6-4, 6-2) and Daniel Altmaier (6-3, 6-3).

The first set saw both players comfortably holding their serves, with neither conceding any break points to their opponent until the 12th game, where the Dane faltered just when it seemed a tie-break was inevitable. 'Nole' capitalized on the opportunity and broke Rune's serve to claim the set 7-5.

In the second set, Rune struck first with a break in the third game. However, Djokovic managed to recover the break in the subsequent game. Once again, both players returned to the pattern of holding their service games with relative ease.

The first break opportunity arrived in the 10th game with Rune serving at 4-5, providing a match point to the 24-time Grand Slam champion, but the young 20-year-old Danish player saved it with a fantastic wide serve. Rune pushed the set to a tie-break and overcame Djokovic, winning it 7-6(4).

In the third set, Djokovic secured a crucial break in the third game and managed to hold his service throughout the remainder of the match without facing any break points. Rune remained solid with his service, but it wasn't enough to penetrate 'Nole's' defenses. Djokovic eventually sealed the victory with a score of 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-4.

In the semifinals, Djokovic will await the winner of the match between Alex De Minaur (13th) and Andrey Rublev (5th), who will face off in the next encounter.