Novak Djokovic cruises to Paris Masters title to send out warning to ATP Finals rivals

World No 1 had few problems against Denis Shapovalov to win his 34th Masters

Novak Djokovic poses with the Paris Masters title after beating Denis Shapovalov in Sunday's final. EPA

World No 1 Novak Djokovic saw off Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 6-4 to win his fifth Paris Masters title on Sunday in a warning to his rivals ahead of the ATP Finals.

The Serbian faced only one break point in another impressive display to claim a 34th career Masters title against world No 28 Shapovalov, who was playing his first final at that level.

"I served very well, there were not many rallies in the match. A break in each set was enough, it was the best serving performance in this tournament," said Djokovic, who did not drop a set this week.

"It was his first Masters final so in a way experience prevailed."

Djokovic, who will be supplanted by Rafael Nadal at top of the ATP rankings on Monday, made a fine start, stealing Shapovalov's first service game as he opened a 3-0 lead.

The Serb was never threatened in the opening set, dropping only four points on serve as Shapovalov looked tight having not played on Saturday following Rafael Nadal's withdrawal.

Shapovalov faced a break point in the first game of the second set, saving it with a powerful first serve but a forehand error on Djokovic's second opportunity gave his opponent a decisive 4-3 lead.

Djokovic then held serve throughout to snatch a morale-boosting victory ahead of the November 10-17 ATP Finals in London, where he will be looking to secure the year-end world No 1 spot.