Paris Masters: Djokovic Keeps ATP Finals Hopes Alive With Opening Win

Djokovic survives Vacherot scare to advance at Paris Masters

In a rematch of last year's Shanghai upset, Novak Djokovic got his revenge on Valentin Vacherot with a gritty comeback win to keep his ATP Finals qualification hopes alive at the Paris Masters.

Novak Djokovic avenges Shanghai loss with comeback win over Valentin Vacherot in Paris...

Novak Djokovic came from behind to defeat Valentin Vacherot 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-1 in the opening round of the Paris Masters on Tuesday.

For the 24-time Grand Slam champion, the victory marked his first win at an ATP 1000 event since reaching the fourth round at Indian Wells back in March.

Djokovic also got a measure of revenge against Vacherot in just their second career meeting, after the Monegasque upset the 39-year-old on his way to a stunning Shanghai Masters title last season.

More importantly for the veteran, the win earned him valuable points in the French capital as he pushes to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals in November.

Djokovic currently sits 11th in the race for the eight-man event in Turin.

His last appearance at the Paris Masters came three years ago, when he captured his seventh title with a victory over Grigor Dimitrov.

“I'm very happy,” Djokovic said. “This is the year where I've got a lot of support (in Paris).”

“I found a good groove in the end. I'm pleased about that, and I think it's the energy created in the stadium - that's what this year's victory is all about.”

In a tightly contested opener, Vacherot edged ahead at the end of an error-filled first-set tie-break, putting together a run of four straight points to take the lead.

The 27-year-old carried that momentum into the start of the second set, breaking Djokovic to 30 right away.

After finally getting on the board at 2-1, Djokovic called for a medical timeout during which he had his right shoulder massaged.

The brief stoppage appeared to disrupt Vacherot's rhythm, as he dropped his serve immediately after play resumed.

On Djokovic's second break point, Vacherot completely misjudged a routine return and could only watch in disbelief as the ball landed on the line right in front of him.

Vacherot then received treatment for a foot issue and soon found himself pulled back to one set all, as Djokovic showed his trademark killer instinct to take his first break chance in the 12th game and force a decider.

The 10th seed wore down Vacherot in his first service game of the final set to move ahead 2-0.

Continuing to defy ALL the odds 🤩 39-year-old @DjokerNole becomes the oldest ever winner at @RolexPMasters #RolexParisMasters https://t.co/xrxScS2uog

— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 3, 2026

A second break put Djokovic firmly in control, and he closed out the win with a backhand winner down the line.

He will face Rinky Hijikata in the second round.

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