PARIS - NOVEMBER 15: Novak Djokovic of Serbia lifts the winners trophy after winning the Final match against Gael Monfils of France during the ATP Masters Series at the Palais Omnisports De Paris-Bercy on November 15, 2009 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

View full size photo »

A final that started out as a total clunker finished as one of the best of the year in Paris, with Novak Djokovic starting hot and then surviving several icy patches to defeat Gael Monfils 6-2, 5-7, 7-6(3).

Two of the game's most braggadocious played some incredibly flashy tennis throughout, but too often it seemed as though all the flashiness had left both blinded.  In the end, it was a Monfils double fault that ended the epic, a disappointing end to a match that was high on drama and flair if nothing else.

There's not a whole lot of doubt out there that Novak Djokovic is playing better tennis than anybody out there right now.  Whether or not he's peaking at the best time is another issue altogether.   But he does appear to be setting himself up very well to defend his WTF title in London next week. 

It could probably even be said that he's something of a favorite to win next week, which is the first time Djokovic has been the legitimate favorite for a major event since who knows when.