Novak Djokovic downs Taylor Fritz to reach semi-finals of Paris Masters 2021

ByAlexander Netherton

Updated 06/11/2021 at 01:32 GMT

Men's tennis number one Novak Djokovic secured his passage to Saturday's semi-final at the ATP Paris Masters when he defeated American Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-3 in their quarter-final. The Serbian had not played competitive tennis since he lost the final of the US Open back in September earlier in the season.

Novak Djokovic continued his winning return to tennis with a 6-4 6-3 win over Taylor Fritz on Friday night at the Paris Masters.

The Serbian world number one had not played since losing the final of the US Open earlier this year in September.

However the 34-year-old was comfortable as he came up against his American opponent Fritz.

Rolex Paris Masters

Medvedev says future generations will respect Djokovic's 'amazing' records

07/11/2021 at 22:50

• Murray set for career-defining year - Rusedski
• Switzerland and Australia complete semi-final line-up at BJK Cup
• Zverev through to Paris Masters quarters with win over Dimitrov

He dominated the service game, sending down eight aces compared to his rival’s five, and was far more accurate with his serves.

That allowed him to take the first set 6-4, and he accelerated his dominance in the second, decisive set for victory. He will play his semi-final in France on Saturday where he will play Hubert Hurkacz.

Later in the day, home favourite and qualifier Hugo Gaston finally suffered a defeat after falling to Daniil Medvedev.

The more experienced Russian held on under pressure in the first set to claim it 7-6(9-7), and then raced into a 4-0 lead in the second set.

Gaston did not roll over though, and fought back but would lose the set 6-4 to go out in two sets. Medvedev had shown the effectiveness of a powerful serve, hitting 13 to the losing opponent's sole ace.

Medvedev overcomes Gaston in thrilling match to reach Paris Masters semis

Norwegian sixth seed Casper Ruud could not hold back fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the day's last game.

The German was more effective in both forcing and winning break points, and secured a 7-5 6-4 win.

In Saturday's semi-finals, Ruud plays Medvedev, while Djokovic will face Hubert Hurkacz.

- - -

The UCI Track Champions League is coming and you can watch all of the action live on the Eurosport app, eurosport.co.uk and discovery+. Find out more about the "mind-blowing" new era for track cycling, with the first event on November 6 in Mallorca.

Rolex Paris Masters

‘To pass my childhood idol is incredible’ - Djokovic on record year-end No 1 spot

08/11/2021 at 07:28

Rolex Paris Masters

Djokovic downs Medvedev to claim sixth Paris Masters title

07/11/2021 at 17:15

Rolex Paris Masters

Paris Masters final: Djokovic v Medvedev - As it happened

07/11/2021 at 16:46