Djokovic out-duels Vacherot to start his Paris week

Novak Djokovic got away to a gruelling start at his most successful Masters 1000 event on Tuesday, with the seven-time champion outlasting Valentin Vacherot  6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1 to reach the second round in Paris.

The seven-time champion at the elite indoor event gets the Serb off and running in his effort to squeeze into a qualifying spot at the ATP Finals starting in Turin on November 15.

The winner of 24 Grand Slam singles titles had to fight back after trailing last weekend’s Basel champion a set and a break

But the 39-year-old slowly reeled in the Monegasque, whose game evaporated in the third set.

“I expected a match like this, there were very few opportunities for me to break him,” the winner said of the two-and-a-half-hour battle.

“He has a huge serve, in the first set and a half it was difficult to read. Even if i guess right, it is coming at some speed. It’s hard to play someone like that.

“He gives you no chances and puts a lot of pressure on my service games.”

Both players were seen by the trainer in the second set as Djokovic began his fightback by taking a massage on his right shoulder; vacherot was treated and taped on his left ankle but showed no further ill effects.

Djokovic lifted his level as he broke back for 2-all and levelled the match with a break to wrap up the set.

In the third, the veteran dominated with two more breaks as he secured victory with a backhand down-the-line winner.

He next faces Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata after fighting off 22 aces from Vacherot, who converted on only one of seven break chances.

Djokovic improved to 51-9 at the Paris Masters and strengthened  his bid for a Turin spot, where he currently stands provisional 10th for the eight man field.

“It was not a bad performance for an old guy,” Djokovic said. “Somehow I find a way to win matches that go the distance.

“I’m giving it whatever I can. I’m trying to find the way to play my best level when it matters.”

Main photo:-Novak Djokovic won Paris Masters in 2023 – by Roger Parker ISF Ltd