Watch: Novak Djokovic interrupts interview to console Grigor Dimitrov after Bulgarian breaks into tears after Paris Masters final loss

Novak Djokovic beat Grigor Dimitrov convincingly in the final of the Paris Masters on Sunday, with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-4. But during his post-match interview, Djokovic graciously consoled his defeated opponent, who had broken into tears.

Djokovic is the first player to win 40 ATP Masters 1000 titles. The Paris win is his 97th career singles title overall and his sixth of the 2023 season.

Dimitrov, who played some brilliant tennis during the Paris Masters, looked emotional and distraught following the defeat. He also received a round of applause from his team and a section of the crowd for his efforts.

Djokovic was stretched to three sets by Tallon Griekspoor, Holger Rune, and Andrey Rublev earlier in the week, and was also troubled by a stomach virus. But he held serve comfortably against Dimitrov in the final.

The two players engaged in a warm embrace after the match. That was followed by the Serb's heartwarming gesture during the post-match interview, where he walked up to Dimitrov's chair to offer consolation.

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The 36-year-old is now on an 18-match unbeaten streak. He has also extended his lead over Carlos Alcaraz to 1490 points in the ATP Live Race to Turin.

Alcaraz, who earlier lost to Dimitrov in the third round of the Shanghai Masters, suffered a shock opening-round loss to Roman Safiullin at Bercy.

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Novak Djokovic reflects on 'incredible' win over Grigor Dimitrov in Paris Masters final

Djokovic and Dimitrov engage in a post-match embrace

Novak Djokovic admitted that the win on Sunday was "incredible" given that he was in danger of losing thrice in a row ahead of the big final.

The Serb said he managed to find extra gear during the matches against Tallon Griekspoor, Holger Rune and Andrey Rublev, while overcoming "challenging circumstances."

"Incredible. To be able to win it after quite challenging circumstances for me this week. Basically, coming back from the brink of losing three matches in a row, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I was very close to losing those matches and somehow managed to find an extra gear when it was needed," he stated during the post-match interview.

Djokovic also said his match against Dimitrov was closer than the scoreline indicates.

"Today, I think we both were quite tight at the beginning, and I could see that he was running out of gas a little bit. Myself as well, but I somehow managed to find an extra shot over the net. I think the match was closer than the scoreline indicates, but another amazing win for me," the 36-year-old said.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion will now shift his focus to the ATP Finals, set to take place from November 12 to November 19 in Turin, Italy.