Bercy 2023: When Djokovic Forgot the Victory to Come Console Dimitrov!
On November 5, 2023, at the Accor Arena in Bercy, Novak Djokovic gave a lesson in elegance by coming to comfort his opponent: Grigor Dimitrov.
After securing a seventh title at Paris-Bercy, the Serbian champion offered a beautiful moment of respect to the Parisian audience. While answering questions on the court, Djokovic interrupted the interview to come and console the Bulgarian, who was in tears.
The Bulgarian, who had been stunning all week, had just experienced one of the best tournaments of his career. His victories against Musetti, Medvedev, Hurkacz, and Tsitsipas had set Bercy on fire. But the final, despite all his fighting spirit, ended in a defeat (6-4, 6-3).
In a very individual sport, this moment reminded everyone what respect between champions means. Dimitrov, with red eyes, thanked Djokovic for his gesture. Finally, in the press conference, Djokovic reflected on this sequence that moved the fans:
"Grigor is a friend, an incredible player. I know what he has been through in recent years. Today, he deserved to be here as much as I did."
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