Table of Content
Novak Djokovic kept his Nitto ATP Finals qualification hopes alive at the Rolex Paris Masters by battling back from a set and a break down to defeat Valentin Vacherot 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 6-1. The seven-time Paris champion overcame a mid-match shoulder issue and a tough challenge from the Basel champion to secure his opening win.
Djokovic’s Race to Turin and Next Match
Djokovic needs at least a semi-final run in Paris to give himself a chance of qualifying for the season-ending tournament in Turin. He sits 11th in the Race To Turin with 2,940 points and must finish inside the top nine. Rafael Jodar currently holds ninth place with 3,234 points, sitting 294 points ahead of Djokovic.
Reflecting on his physical state to SkySports after the match, Djokovic said: “Not the freshest but obviously glad to turn this match around.” He added: “It’s very slow and bouncy this year, just super, super quick, and Vacherot won his tournament title in Basel a few days ago, super confident and you could feel that in his game, particularly off that first serve. Not too many double faults, he’s going for his second serve as well.”
SkySports analyst Ryan Harrison noted the physical demands facing the Serbian star, stating that Djokovic is used to receiving high seedings and avoiding difficult first rounds, adding that the shorter Masters 1000 format without rest days between matches will make the tournament trickier for him.
Djokovic will face Australian Rinky Hijikata in his next match.
British Players Exit in Paris
British No 1 Arthur Fery reached a career-high world No 32 and delivered a between-the-legs drop-shot winner, but ultimately lost to home favourite Quentin Halys 7-6 (8-6) 7-5. Fery failed to convert two set points in the first-set tie-break before Halys claimed the decisive break in the second set.
British No 2 Cameron Norrie also exited early after a 6-3 6-4 defeat to US Open finalist Ben Shelton.
Shelton Adds Ferrero and Other Paris Results
Shelton announced plans to add Carlos Alcaraz’s former mentor, Juan Carlos Ferrero, to his team in 2027. Shelton praised Ferrero as one of the great minds in tennis, while Ferrero highlighted the American player’s extraordinary talent, power, and character.
Elsewhere, Taylor Fritz rallied from a set down to beat French qualifier Benjamin Bonzi 3-6 6-3 6-4, setting up a second-round clash against qualifier Alex Molcan. Tommy Paul, currently 13th in the Race To Turin on 2,775 points, defeated Holger Rune 7-5 6-4.
Cobolli Withdraws and Burrage Falls in Chennai
Flavio Cobolli withdrew from the Masters 1000 event due to lingering discomfort after media day and a gym training session, stating on Instagram that the decision hurts because the city gave him the two biggest weeks of his career. Despite the withdrawal, the Italian remains sixth in the Race To Turin, 466 points ahead of Rafael Jodar.
Meanwhile, Britain’s Jodie Burrage suffered a first-round defeat at the Chennai Open, losing 3-6 6-3 7-5 to local wild card Vaishnavi Adkar after two hours and 47 minutes. Burrage held a 5-3 lead in the deciding set but struggled with humid conditions, requiring a medical timeout where she had her blood pressure and oxygen levels checked before resuming the contest.
