Djokovic becomes oldest Paris Masters match winner, keeps ATP Finals hopes alive

Novak Djokovic is 11th in the race for Turin and will face Rinky Hijikata in the second round of the Paris Masters. | Photo Credit: AFP

Novak Djokovic came from a set down to beat Valentin Vacherot 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-1 in the first round of the Paris Masters on Tuesday.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner notched his first win at an ATP 1000 event since reaching the fourth round at Indian Wells in March. He also avenged last season’s loss to Vacherot, who beat the 39-year-old on the way to the Shanghai Masters title, in only their second meeting.

Points matter for the veteran, who is 11th in the race for the eight-man ATP Finals in Turin later this month.

His last Paris appearance came three years ago, when he beat Grigor Dimitrov for a seventh title.

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

ALSO READ: Venus Williams loses 17th singles match in a row at Hong Kong Open

“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.”

Vacherot took the first-set tie-break with a four-point run and broke early in the second. Djokovic then called a medical timeout for a right shoulder massage, after which Vacherot lost his serve.

Djokovic broke again in the 12th game to level, then took control of the decider with early breaks and closed with a backhand winner down the line. He faces Rinky Hijikata next.

Elsewhere, Holger Rune, the 2022 champion over Djokovic, lost 7-5, 6-4 to Tommy Paul. Andrey Rublev fell to Tomas Martin Etcheverry, 17-year-old Moise Kouame lost to lucky loser Nuno Borges, and Quentin Halys beat Arthur Fery.

Arthur Rinderknech advanced when Francisco Cerundolo retired, and Learner Tien beat lucky loser Adolfo Daniel Vallejo.