2018 ROLEX PARIS MASTERS CHAMPION: KAREN KHACHANOV

Tennis is mostly unpredictable and that is why so exciting. Including me, most of the people thought that Novak Djokovic is the most likely one to get that Masters 1000 trophy in Paris. We were not wrong that Djokovic is in a great form and having an incredible level of tennis. As I always say, Nole is one of the most special and talented guys on tour ever. He had a flu through last week and it weakened him a little bit but overall his performance was superb.

Nole's semi final match with Roger Federer was one of the best matches of this season. I had never seen Roger Federer so good for months. It took 3 hours and it was a very close match. Djokovic past Federer 7-6,5-7,7-6. 

No matter the score was, Federer is an amazing athlete. His achievements are already legendary but what he accomplishes and performs at the age of 37 is beyond limits. Semifinal match was a true excitement and a joy for tennis. Federer could have won it on Sunday but it went the other way. Roger Federer gives a great signal for 2019.

After a very though and tiring match, Novak Djokovic told press that he was not worrying about recovery. But the next day when he was against young Karen Khachanov , I thought that he did not look that fresh. I can not say that Djoker was not good. Karen was the better player on Sunday. He totally deserved his very first Masters 1000 trophy. I have been watching Khachanov closely from the beginning of this season and his match with Rafa Nadal in US Open told a lot to me. Khachanov is so talented , has a big game but most importantly he does not panic easily. He is good at handling stressful moments and points. He does perform very well under pressure. On Sunday against Master of Masters, it was not an easy job to beat him in 2 sets 7-5,6-4. Karen Khachanov is not only having a good game, a clear strategy but also has a strong mind. He deserved this victory. I am sure 2019 will be much better for him.

I always appreciate Novak Djokovic regarding that he handles both defeat and victory in grace. His attitudes to his opponents, to audience and the ball kids are always great example for all tennis players. In ceremony speech both players showed a great sportsmanship and that kind if scenes makes me love tennis more.

Last Masters1000 tournament of this season is over. Holiday starts for many players. Only Top 8 players will be in London for NittoAtpFinals next week. Unfortunately Rafa Nadal and Juan Martin Del Potro will not be there due to injuries. I wish them a speedy recovery. Instead of them Kei Nishikori and John Isner get tickets for London. It will be a very exciting week.

*Photos taken from Rolex Paris Masters Official Twitter Page