Novak Djokovic just keeps on winning, adding the Paris Masters title to his extraordinary array of silverware with a final win over Grigor Dimitrov.
World No.1 Novak Djokovic has cruised to a record-extending seventh Paris Masters title and became the first player to claim 40 ATP Masters titles when he thumped Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 6-3 in the final.
Djokovic's sixth trophy this season also helped him to extend his lead over the second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in the race to the year-end number one spot, with the 24-time grand slam champion heading to the ATP Finals primed to seal the deal.
"It's incredible to be able to win after quite challenging circumstances for me this week," Djokovic said after his triumph on Sunday (Monday AEDT).
"Coming back from the brink of losing three matches in a row on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
"I was close to losing those matches and somehow managed to find an extra gear when it was needed. Today, 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 managed to find an extra shot over the net. The match was closer than the scoreline indicates but another amazing win for me. I'm very proud of this one."
In a clash featuring the two oldest players in the world's top 20, the 36-year-old Djokovic drew first blood, breaking the 17th-ranked Dimitrov for a 4-3 lead in the opening set, and he closed it out comfortably in 51 minutes.
The unseeded Dimitrov's only victory over Djokovic in 12 previous meetings had come a decade ago and although the 32-year-old put up more of a fight in the second set, he could not prevent Djokovic from continuing his magnificent season.
A 40th Masters crown now puts him four titles ahead of his nearest rival Rafael  Nadal.
Djokovic is also only three wins away from 100 titles, with only Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) above him in the Open era.
Victory was sealed when Dimitrov sent a backhand wide, extending Djokovic's winning run to 18 matches since his defeat by Alcaraz in the Wimbledon title clash in July.
He'll be red hot favourite for the season-ending ATP Finals starting on November  12.
Dimitrov sobbed into his towel after missing the opportunity to claim his first title in six years.
"I've been in these situations before many times... losing finals," said Djokovic, who stopped his on-court interview to give Dimitrov a hug.
"I've been blessed to, of course, win more finals than I've lost. I really hope he'll continue to play at a high level. He's been playing some of his best tennis this week and I wish him all the best. I hope he can win big events."