Novak Djokovic secured a hard-fought 6-7, 7-5, 6-1 victory against Valentin Vacherot in the opening round of the Paris Masters. With this win, the 39-year-old Serbian star set a new record as the oldest player to win a match at the tournament, overcoming an opponent 12 years younger after dropping the opening set.
Defeating the Critics and Tough Conditions
Following the encounter, Djokovic addressed doubters who question his stamina in longer matches as he approaches his 40th birthday. “For an old guy, not so bad! People think I am too old and slow, but somehow I find a way to win these kinds of matches that go the distance. I am still there, and I am still holding on and trying to find my best tennis when it matters,” he said, as reported by sports.yahoo.com.
The veteran competitor admitted he struggled early on against Vacherot’s powerful delivery, noting that a missed forehand volley in the first-set tiebreak left him down a set and a break. Vacherot struck 22 aces during the contest, prompting Djokovic to remark that the opponent’s serves created immense pressure on his own service games.
ATP Finals Qualification Hopes
The victory keeps Djokovic’s aspirations alive for a spot at the season-ending ATP Finals, as a defeat would have eliminated him from contention. Sitting 11th in the live race to Turin, where ninth place qualifies due to Jannik Sinner’s absence, the player knows a deep run in Paris remains essential.
Speaking to Sky Sports after spending two and a half hours on court, Djokovic provided a brief fitness update, acknowledging he was not feeling his freshest and needed a quick recovery. Former doubles star Ryan Harrison also shared during Sky Sports’ post-match coverage that Djokovic will likely start round two in better form because he grew more accustomed to reading the opponent’s serve as the match progressed.
Djokovic will return to the court to face Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in the second round on Wednesday, November 4.
