Djokovic Beats Vacherot in Paris Masters Comeback Win

Novak Djokovic battled back from a set down to defeat Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-1 in the opening round of the Paris Masters on Tuesday. The 24-time Grand Slam champion recovered from a difficult start to secure his first victory at an ATP Masters 1000 tournament since reaching the fourth round at Indian Wells in March.

The Serbian also gained a measure of revenge against Vacherot, who had beaten him during his run to a remarkable Shanghai Masters title last season. Djokovic’s victory in Paris was particularly important as he continues his attempt to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin, where only the top eight players in the race earn a place.

Novak Djokovic fights back to defeat Valentin Vacherot

Djokovic entered the contest as the 10th seed but faced a difficult challenge from Vacherot, who started confidently and pushed the veteran throughout an evenly contested opening set. Neither player managed to establish clear control, and the first set was eventually decided by a tie-break.

Vacherot produced a strong run of four consecutive points towards the end of the tie-break to take it 7-5 and move ahead in the match. The 27-year-old capitalised on the momentum immediately, breaking Djokovic’s serve to 30 at the beginning of the second set.

Djokovic responded by getting on the scoreboard at 2-1, but the Serbian soon requested a medical timeout. During the brief stoppage, he received treatment and a massage on his right shoulder.

The interruption appeared to affect Vacherot’s rhythm. The Monegasque lost his serve immediately after play resumed, allowing Djokovic to bring the second set back on level terms.

The decisive moment came when Djokovic earned his second break point in that game. Vacherot misjudged a routine return, watching as the ball landed on the line in front of him. The error allowed Djokovic to take advantage and regain control of the contest.

Djokovic takes second set and dominates the decider

Vacherot subsequently received treatment for a foot issue, while Djokovic continued to apply pressure. The Serbian gradually found his rhythm and waited for an opportunity to take the second set.

That chance arrived in the 12th game. Djokovic converted his first break opportunity of the game to secure the set 7-5, drawing the match level and forcing a deciding third set.

The 10th seed carried his momentum into the decider. He put Vacherot under immediate pressure in the Monegasque’s first service game and secured a break to move 2-0 ahead.

A second break strengthened Djokovic’s advantage and left Vacherot with little opportunity to recover. Djokovic maintained his composure and completed the comeback with a backhand winner down the line, sealing a 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-1 victory.

The result marked a return to winning ways for Djokovic at Masters 1000 level for the first time since his fourth-round appearance at Indian Wells in March. It also extended his progress in a tournament where he has enjoyed considerable success throughout his career.

Djokovic happy with support from Paris crowd

After the match, Djokovic expressed satisfaction with the comeback and acknowledged the atmosphere inside the stadium. The Serbian said the support he had received in Paris had played an important role in helping him find his rhythm during the contest.

“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.”

Djokovic’s comments highlighted the importance of the crowd’s energy as he worked his way back into the match. After losing the opening set and facing an early break in the second, he gradually turned the contest around before taking complete control in the deciding set.

ATP Finals qualification remains a major target

Beyond the immediate result, the Paris Masters represents an important opportunity for Djokovic to collect valuable ranking points as he attempts to secure qualification for the ATP Finals in Turin later in November.

Djokovic was 11th in the race for the eight-player season-ending tournament at the time of the match. That position leaves him needing further strong results to move into the qualification places.

The ATP Finals brings together the eight leading players in the season’s race, making the final tournaments of the calendar particularly important for those still competing for qualification. Djokovic’s progress in Paris could therefore play a significant role in his attempt to earn another appearance at the event.

The Serbian has a strong history at the Paris Masters. His most recent appearance before this year’s tournament came three years ago, when he defeated Grigor Dimitrov in the final to claim his seventh title at the event.

Djokovic will now turn his attention to the second round, where he is scheduled to face Australia’s Rinky Hijikata. The match will offer another opportunity to collect points and continue his campaign in the French capital.

Holger Rune exits Paris Masters in opening round

While Djokovic progressed, former champion Holger Rune suffered an early exit. The Dane, who defeated Djokovic in the 2022 Paris Masters final, lost 7-5, 6-4 to American Tommy Paul.

Rune is continuing his return from injury and was unable to make it through his opening match. His departure was among the notable results from the first round of the tournament.

Former world number five Andrey Rublev also exited after losing to Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry in a third-set tie-break. Meanwhile, 15th seed Learner Tien advanced after battling past lucky loser Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in a three-set contest.

Moise Kouame loses as French players enjoy mixed results

French teenager Moise Kouame was unable to reproduce the form that had attracted attention during his Roland Garros campaign. The 17-year-old lost 6-3, 6-1 to Portuguese player Nuno Borges.

Borges entered the main draw as a lucky loser after Shanghai Masters champion Alejandro Davidovich Fokina withdrew, and he made the most of the opportunity by securing a straight-sets victory.

There was better news for French player Quentin Halys, ranked 46th in the world, who defeated Wimbledon semi-finalist Arthur Fery in straight sets. His victory provided a positive result for the home contingent in Paris.

French world number 68 Arthur Rinderknech also advanced to the next round. His opponent, Argentine 16th seed Francisco Cerundolo, retired early in the third set, allowing Rinderknech to progress. Rinderknech is also Vacherot’s cousin, adding another family connection to the day’s results.

Ben Shelton and Casper Ruud set for second-round action

The second round of the Paris Masters gets underway with several notable players preparing to begin their campaigns. US Open finalist and third seed Ben Shelton is scheduled to face Britain’s Cameron Norrie in his opening match.

Another match to watch features 20-year-old Spanish player Rafael Jodar, who will test himself against former world number two Casper Ruud.

With the tournament moving into its second round, Djokovic’s comeback victory provides one of the main talking points from the opening day. The Serbian has advanced after overcoming Vacherot’s strong start, but his pursuit of ATP Finals qualification means there is still significant work ahead in Paris.