Djokovic beats Ferrer to clinch Paris Masters title

Novak Djokovic beat defending champion David Ferrer of Spain 7-5, 7-5 to win the Paris Masters on Sunday and keep alive his hopes of reclaiming the world number one spot by the end of the year.

The Serb recovered from a break down in both sets to snatch his third consecutive title, following victories in Beijing and at the Shanghai Masters last month, and the 40th of his career.

"It has been a very difficult match for me," Djokovic said.

"It has been very hard against one of the best competitors on tour, someone who never gives up. I have been patient, I played aggressive. I am very happy with this win."

It is the first time Djokovic, the 2009 Paris Masters champion, has won back-to-back Masters Series events since his successive triumphs in Rome, Madrid and Montreal in 2011.

He could still overthrow world number one Rafa Nadal if he wins next week's ATP World Tour Finals in London and the Davis Cup final with Serbia, who host CzechRepublic in Belgrade later this month.

Ferrer, who collected his first Masters Series crown last year in Paris, became the fifth defending champion to reach the final at the indoor event and fail to retain their title.