Djokovic denies Monfils home title
Novak Djokovic clinched his first Masters 1000 title of the season at the final event in Paris with a deciding-set tie-break defeat of hometown favourite Gael Monfils.
The Serbian world number three had to withstand a stirring fightback from Monfils before clinching a 6-2 5-7 7-6 (7/3) triumph.
Djokovic won the first set with ease, breaking the Frenchman twice as Monfils struggled to satisfy the demanding home crowd.
The second was more of a contest. The players exchanged breaks before Monfils upped the tempo once more to claim the Djokovic serve and establish a 6-5 lead - an achievement which was greeted by some exuberant arm-twirling celebrations from the Parisian.
Monfils held his nerve to take it to a decider with Djokovic making a string of unforced errors as he tried to hit his way out of trouble.
The final-set initially swung the way of Djokovic as he broke early for a 2-0 lead after an epic rally.
A break apiece still saw Djokovic 4-1 up before Monfils rallied once more.
He held his own delivery before breaking and then holding again to level matters.
The match finally went to a deciding tie-break which Djokovic took control of with a mini-break for a 4-2 lead and he never looked back.
