Medvedev sets up Djokovic showdown in Paris
Defending champion Daniil Medvedev set up a showdown with Novak Djokovic in the Paris Masters final after dismissing Alexander Zverev in straight sets.
The Russian, who downed Djokovic in the final of this year's US Open, was at his imperious best to see off Zverev 6-2 6-2 in the French capital.
He will now attempt to deny Djokovic a sixth title at the ATP 1000 event on Monday (AEDT), while seeking to etch his own name on to the trophy for a second year running.
World No.2 Medvedev, who overcame Zverev in the final of this event in 2020, ended the German's run of eight consecutive victories in style.
It took just 80 minutes for Medvedev to get the job done, his flat groundstrokes posing questions that Zverev had no answers to.
While Zverev did apply some pressure by forcing his rival to face three break points, Medvedev was cool under pressure as he held serve throughout the contest.
This triumph drew Medvedev level at 5-5 in the pair's head-to-head record.
He will likely face a sterner test against Djokovic, whose come-from-behind win over Hubert Hurkacz ensured he will claim the year-end No.1 ranking for a record seventh time.
On Monday (AEDT), he will bid to set another record by moving ahead of Rafael Nadal to reach 37 titles in Masters 1000 tournaments.
