One of the most prestigious titles on tour, the Paris Masters has not been the easiest title for even some of the greatest players to win.
Roger Federer only lifted the title once, in 2011, while Rafael Nadal never won in Bercy despite his staggering success elsewhere in Paris.
With the 2024 edition of the event upon us, we look at the small group of seven men who have lifted multiple titles at the famed tournament.
=4) Tom Okker – 2 titles
One of the best players never to win a Grand Slam title, ‘Flying Dutchman’ Okker was the first Paris Masters champion – and the first player to lift the title twice.
The former world No 3 claimed the title at the inaugural event in 1969, downing Butch Buchholz in straight sets in the final.
Six years later he captured the title for a second and final time, defeating tennis icon Arthur Ashe in a five-set thriller.
=4) Brian Gottfried – 2 titles
Another former world No 3, American ace Gottfried is part of this small club of multiple Paris champions.
The first of those victories came in 1994, when the American edged past Marc Rosset in four sets to lift the trophy.
Five years later – amid one of the best runs of his career – the former world No 1 recaptured the title, defeating then-rising star Marat Safin in four sets in the 1999 final.
The Paris Masters, also known as the Rolex Paris Masters, has a unique history on the ATP Tour, standing as one of the most esteemed and challenging titles. Played on indoor hard courts at the Accor Arena in Bercy, the tournament is the final ATP Masters 1000 event of the season, making it crucial for players aiming to qualify for the ATP Finals or end their year on a high note. Yet, despite its prestige, many of the game’s legends have struggled to claim multiple titles in Bercy. Even icons like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who hold a combined total of over 40 Grand Slam titles, have found Paris challenging. Federer has managed to secure only one Paris Masters trophy in 2011, while Nadal, despite his unparalleled dominance on the clay courts of Roland Garros, has never lifted the trophy here.
With the 2024 edition underway, it’s a fitting time to explore the exclusive group of seven men who have won this tournament more than once. Each player in this list represents an era and a unique contribution to the tournament’s history, showcasing the resilience, adaptability, and excellence needed to conquer Bercy’s fast indoor courts. Let’s dive into the stories of these champions, starting with two lesser-known figures who left their mark on the Paris Masters: Tom Okker and Brian Gottfried.
=4) Tom Okker – 2 Titles
Known as the “Flying Dutchman,” Tom Okker was a pioneer in the Open Era and one of the best players never to win a Grand Slam title. Okker’s versatility and athleticism made him a formidable opponent, and he left a lasting legacy on the tennis world. His association with the Paris Masters goes back to the tournament’s inception. In 1969, Okker became the first-ever champion of the Paris Masters, defeating Butch Buchholz in the final with a commanding straight-sets victory. Okker’s triumph marked the beginning of what would become one of the most prestigious indoor tournaments in tennis.
Okker’s second title came six years later, in 1975, solidifying his status as one of the most successful players in Paris Masters history. That year, he faced Arthur Ashe, one of tennis’s great ambassadors and a global icon. The final was a dramatic five-set battle that showcased Okker’s resilience and Ashe’s powerful game. Okker emerged victorious, etching his name in the record books as the tournament’s first multiple-time winner. Although Okker never won a major, his achievements at the Paris Masters and his career-high ranking of world No. 3 highlight his impact on the sport and his place among the legends of the indoor circuit.
=4) Brian Gottfried – 2 Titles
Another player who shone in the Paris Masters without securing a Grand Slam title, American Brian Gottfried was known for his all-court game and consistency. Reaching a career-high ranking of world No. 3, Gottfried enjoyed success on various surfaces, but his achievements in Paris made him particularly memorable. His first Paris Masters victory came in 1994, when he faced Swiss player Marc Rosset in the final. The match was intense, with Gottfried eventually overcoming Rosset in four sets to claim his first title. This win underscored Gottfried’s adaptability to indoor play and his knack for succeeding in high-pressure matches.
Five years later, in 1999, Gottfried returned to the Paris Masters final, having experienced one of the best seasons of his career. This time, he faced a young Marat Safin, a future world No. 1 and one of the most talented players of the upcoming generation. The final was another four-set affair, with Gottfried displaying his experience and tactical prowess to defeat Safin and lift the trophy for a second time. Gottfried’s achievements in Paris highlight his ability to compete at the highest level, and his two titles remain a testament to his skill and mental strength on the indoor courts.
3) Boris Becker – 3 Titles
Legendary German player Boris Becker made his mark on the Paris Masters by winning the tournament three times in a career that included six Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal. Known for his powerful serve and volley game, Becker’s style was perfectly suited to the fast indoor courts of Bercy. His first title came in 1986, when he defeated Sweden’s Stefan Edberg in an intense five-set showdown, establishing himself as one of the top players of his era. Becker’s second title came four years later, in 1990, when he overcame a fierce challenge from American star Brad Gilbert in a close four-setter.
Becker completed his Paris Masters hat-trick in 1992 with a victory over French player Guy Forget, thrilling the home crowd and showcasing his skill under pressure. With three titles to his name, Becker is one of the most successful players in Paris Masters history. His aggressive style and mental toughness made him a dominant force in Bercy, and his legacy at the tournament remains one of resilience and determination.
2) Novak Djokovic – 6 Titles
Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest players in tennis history, has an outstanding record at the Paris Masters, capturing the title six times. Djokovic’s first title came in 2009, when he defeated Frenchman Gael Monfils in a thrilling three-set final that highlighted his athleticism and ability to perform under pressure. Djokovic’s dominance in Paris continued in 2013, 2014, and 2015, with victories over top players like David Ferrer, Milos Raonic, and Andy Murray. Each of these titles demonstrated Djokovic’s ability to adapt his game to different opponents and situations, cementing his reputation as one of the best indoor players of all time.
In 2019, Djokovic claimed his fifth title by defeating Canadian Denis Shapovalov in a clinical performance that showcased his superior shot-making and mental strength. Djokovic’s sixth title came in 2021, when he once again defeated Daniil Medvedev in a high-stakes final, further extending his record at the tournament. With six titles, Djokovic holds the record for the most Paris Masters wins and continues to add to his legacy at the event, demonstrating his unparalleled consistency and skill on indoor hard courts.
1) Marat Safin – 3 Titles
Marat Safin, the charismatic Russian known for his powerful baseline game and emotional on-court presence, is another multi-time champion in Paris. Safin’s first title came in 2000, when he defeated Mark Philippoussis in the final, launching him into the elite ranks of tennis players. Safin’s second title was in 2002, when he outlasted Juan Carlos Ferrero in a grueling five-set match, showcasing his incredible stamina and mental toughness.
Safin’s third and final title came in 2004, when he defeated Radek Stepanek to join the elite group of players with three Paris Masters titles. Safin’s success in Paris highlighted his ability to harness his immense power and focus under pressure, making him a fan favorite and one of the tournament’s most celebrated champions.
The Paris Masters stands as one of the most prestigious and challenging events on the ATP Tour. Its fast indoor surface and unique position as the last Masters event of the season test players’ skills, adaptability, and endurance. The tournament’s history is rich with memorable matches, from Okker’s early triumphs to Djokovic’s record-breaking run. Each player who has lifted the trophy more than once has left an indelible mark on the tournament, showcasing the mix of physical and mental resilience needed to conquer the Bercy courts. As we look forward to the 2024 edition, tennis fans around the world will be watching to see if a new name can join this exclusive club or if a familiar face will add to their legacy in Paris.