Novak Djokovic Fends Off Valentin Vacherot to Reach Paris Masters Second Round

Novak Djokovic advanced at the Paris Masters on Tuesday by defeating Valentin Vacherot 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1.

Novak Djokovic defeated Valentin Vacherot 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1 in the first round of the Paris Masters on Tuesday. The 10th-seeded Djokovic saved three break points while serving at 4-4 in the second set to prevent Vacherot from serving for the match. Following a break of serve to level the contest, Djokovic opened the third set with another break and secured the victory with a two-handed backhand winner down the line on his second match point.

Both competitors required medical attention during the second set. Djokovic received a massage on his right shoulder, while Vacherot had his left ankle strapped. Djokovic described the indoor conditions as significantly faster than the previous year, comparing the surface to ice. Vacherot entered the match coming off a title win at the Swiss Indoors and a previous victory over Djokovic in the Shanghai Masters semifinals.

Djokovic is currently 11th in the race for the ATP Finals, scheduled for Nov. 15-22. A 103rd career title would tie him with Roger Federer for second place in the Open era. Following the tournament in Paris, Djokovic is scheduled to play an ATP250 event in Stockholm.

In other Tuesday action, 11th-seeded Taylor Fritz beat Benjamin Bonzi 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Tommy Paul, the No. 12 seed, eliminated 2022 champion Holger Rune 7-5, 6-4. Additionally, Nuno Borges defeated French teenager Moise Kouame 6-3, 6-1.