Djokovic battles through opening round at Paris Masters

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 03:39 · Archive

Novak Djokovic defeated Valentin Vacherot in three sets at the Paris Masters to keep alive his hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin.

Novak Djokovic rallied from a set and break down to defeat Valentin Vacherot 6-7 (5) 7-5 6-1 in the first round of the Paris Masters. The victory keeps alive Djokovic's chances of qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin later this month, though he requires at least a semi-final run in Paris to give himself a realistic chance of securing a place.

Djokovic is currently 11th in the Race To Turin with 2,940 points and must finish inside the top nine to qualify. Rafael Jodar is currently ninth on 3,234 points, 294 points clear of Djokovic.

The seven-time Paris champion was pushed hard by the Monegasque and dealt with a mid-match shoulder issue during the match. Djokovic took a medical timeout for treatment to his right shoulder during the first set.

Asked on Sky Sports how he was feeling physically, Djokovic said: "Not the freshest but obviously glad to turn this match around." He acknowledged the difficulty posed by Vacherot, noting: "His third serve is quicker than my first so it's very difficult to face someone like that." Djokovic added: "I should have taken that first set, just an awful volley at 5-4 and next thing you know you're down a set and down a break."

Vacherot had won the Swiss Indoors championship the week before. The pressure mounted on the Monegasque player, who called for the trainer to address pain in his left foot at 3-4 in the second set. Djokovic's next opponent is Australian Rinky Hijikata.

How it is being reported

• Djokovic battles through Paris Masters openerVictory kept alive Djokovic's chances of landing a spot in the season-ending ATP Finals later in November.The Japan Times · 4 Nov, 03:16
• Djokovic maintains ATP Finals chances with opening win at Paris MastersNovak Djokovic maintained his Nitto ATP Finals qualification hopes at the Rolex Paris Masters, where he rallied from a set and a break down to defeat Valentin Vacherot.Sky Sports · 3 Nov, 17:17
• Novak Djokovic keeps ATP Finals hopes alive with success at Paris MastersDjokovic overcame Valentin Vacherot in three sets, but there was disappointment for Arthur Fery in ParisIndependent Sport · 3 Nov, 17:07

In this story: Novak Djokovic · Valentin Vacherot · Rinky Hijikata · Rafael Jodar · Quentin Halys · Paris Masters · ATP Finals · Turin

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