Watch now
ATP Paris, France

In Paris, a virus threatens Novak Djokovic's chase for year-end No. 1

"When I arrived [six days ago], I felt good but since three days ago I caught something," said the world No. 1.

By Kamakshi Tandon
In Paris, a virus threatens Novak Djokovic's chase for year-end No. 1

Novak Djokovic's chase for No. 1 has run into an extra hurdle—he is under the weather at the Paris Masters for the second year in a row.

The No.2 won his opener in straight sets before confirming that he is fighting a virus, similar to 2018 when he still reached the final of the event.

"Lots of errors, especially in the first set," he was quoted as saying by French press.  "When I arrived [six days ago], I felt good but since three days ago I caught something. It affects your energy on court, your concentration, your endurance."

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 30: Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a backhand in his match against Corentin Moutet of France on day 3 of the Rolex Paris Masters, part of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 held at the at AccorHotels Arena on October 30, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

Getty Images

But he plans to keep competing and use his experience playing under such conditions.

"It's for sure not ideal," he said. "There have been times when I felt pretty bad during a tournament but I succeeded in advancing in the draw and even winning."

Djokovic has to stay within 220 points of Rafael Nadal this week to still have a chance of finishing the season No. 1 going into the ATP Tour Finals, which he would also have to win. The winner of the Paris Masters gets 1000 points.

The Serb next plays Kyle Edmund.