TENNIS in DEPTH.

Novak Djokovic secured back-to-back ATP titles on Sunday by edging battling Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-2, 5-7, 7-6 (7/3) in a thrilling Paris Masters final.

The win was the first for Djokovic in the Masters Series, he collects 1000 points, this year following four runner-up finishes and it will send him into the season-ending ATP Tour World Finals in London from November 22-29 as the favourite, and defending Champion.

But it remains to be seen just how much his efforts here this week, and throughout the year, have taken out of him after he completed a tour-leading 94th match of the season.

At 6-2, 3-0 up Djokovic appeared to be cruising toward his first Paris Masters title, but a combination of fatigue from Djokovic, and bravado from Monfils saw the home favourite claw his way back into the match.

The Serb again looked set for victory when he led 4-1 in the decider but again Monfils battled back to level at 4-4 and the final went all the way to a tie-break. Monfils dispalyed some of the raw talent that made him one of the best juniors ever, but so many times his shot selection cost him crucial points. He continues to play as an exhibitionist rather than a serious tennis professional.

Djokovic led from the start and clinched the title when Monfils double faulted with the Serb 6-3 ahead.

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