Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray to win Paris Masters

The 6-2 6-4 win, achieved in just over 90 minutes, also ensured the Serb, 28, claimed his fourth Paris Masters title.

He is the first player to win six ATP Masters series events in the same year.

Murray, 28, made too many unforced errors against an in-form Djokovic, who has now beaten him in six of their seven encounters this year. The Briton competed better than he did in Shanghai in October against Djokovic - when he was on the end of a 6-1 6-3 rout in the semi-finals - but he was still unable to break the hold the Serb seemingly has over him. “It’s progress,” said Murray of reaching his first Paris Masters final. “We’ll try next year to go one better.

“Congratulations to Novak for another fantastic week. He fully deserves the number one spot. Hopefully I can get a bit closer next year.” Djokovic, this year’s Australia, Wimbledon and US Open champion, was guaranteed to finish the year as the world number one for the fourth time in five years, regardless of the outcome of this match.

In an incredibly successful season, he had already become the first player to reach 14 consecutive Tour finals in a calendar year and the win over Murray has extended his winning run overall to 22 matches.

The Serb, who has not lost since the Cincinnati final in August, will be the overwhelming favourite to win the ATP World Tour Finals in London later this month.