Djokovic Silences the Doubters With Gutsy Paris Masters Comeback

A Vintage Fightback at Accor Arena

Novak Djokovic delivered a reminder of his extraordinary competitive spirit on Tuesday, coming from a set and a break down to defeat Valentin Vacherot 6-7(5) 7-5 6-1 in the opening round of the Rolex Paris Masters. The victory keeps alive his slim hopes of qualifying for the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. In the process, the 39-year-old became the oldest man to win a match at this tournament, adding another small but meaningful record to his remarkable career.

Vacherot arrived in Paris brimming with confidence after claiming the Swiss Indoors title in Basel just days earlier, and it showed. The Monegasque served up 14 aces in the first set alone, and his second serve, Djokovic joked, was quicker than his own first. A shoulder problem forced Djokovic to call for medical treatment midway through the second set, and frustrated by camera flashes from spectators disrupting his focus at key moments, he grew visibly agitated, demanding the chair umpire address the issue. But the champion's competitive instincts eventually took over. He reduced his unforced errors, saved multiple break points when it mattered most, and once Vacherot's ankle forced a medical timeout late in the second set, momentum swung decisively.

The Road to Turin Gets Tighter

Djokovic sits 11th in the Race to Turin standings with 2,940 points, needing to finish inside the top nine to qualify. Spain's Rafael Jodar currently holds ninth place, sitting nearly 300 points clear. Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton, and Daniil Medvedev have already secured their spots in Turin. Djokovic's next test is Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata, with a potential third-round clash against Alex de Minaur looming if both progress.

After the match, Djokovic pushed back firmly at critics questioning his age and fitness, pointing to victories over elite opponents this season as proof he still belongs at the top level. TennisDraw users leaning on Djokovic to make a deep run here will be encouraged by this resolute, if imperfect, showing.