Novak Djokovic breaks off interview to console Grigor Dimitrov after Paris Masters win – ‘I’m sorry, Grigor’

The Serbian, who beat his opponent 6-4 6-3 to claim his 40th Masters 1000 crown, had already paused his immediate on-court interview to go over and console the world No. 17, who sobbed into his towel as Djokovic spoke.

Djokovic, who claimed his seventh title on the Paris acrylic, was keen to comfort an emotional Dimitrov in his trophy acceptance speech.

“I’m sorry about the outcome today, Grigor,” he said. “It’s never easy to lose in a final. I want to encourage you to stay tough and keep going, because you’ve been playing some of your greatest tennis this week and in the last few months.

“Congrats to your team and your family. It was a pleasure to share the court with you. We go back a long way, we’re veterans of the tour now. Next gens, or whatever they call it? 30+ gen?

“I would also like to thank my team in English, because they don’t understand French. Thank you for sticking with me this week, we know how challenging it was on and off the court.

“I was on the brink of losing three matches in a row prior to today and you guys helped me with my support on and off the court, with recovery and preparation for the next match. This is your victory as much as mine.”

A tearful Dimitrov admitted that he had no more words for Djokovic as he took the microphone.

“I’m running out of words for Novak, so I’m going to go to the crowd first. Congrats, buddy,” he said.

“I just wanted to say how grateful I am for this amazing week. It’s been such a rollercoaster, the past three months for me. Getting to the final of this tournament means more than you can imagine. It would have been impossible without the support [of the crowd]. I’m so grateful.

“I don’t know what [else] to say [to Djokovic]. Well done? Congrats for another amazing win to you and your team.

“To my team, we’ve had a blast. Thanks to everyone in the box. It’s been an amazing journey this year, completing another year on such a high note, I’m very pleased about that.

“Thank you to all the tournament staff, making it such a special place with an iconic centre court. It was a privilege to play in that final. I cannot find any more words to express that gratitude that I have right now. I’ll keep on going.”