Novak Djokovic Stages Comeback Victory Over Valentin Vacherot at Paris Masters

Posted : 03 November 2026

Novak Djokovic recovered from a difficult start to defeat Valentin Vacherot in three sets and advance to the second round of the Paris Masters on Tuesday.

The Serbian secured a 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-1 victory against the Monegasque player, ending his wait for a win at Masters 1000 level since reaching the fourth round at Indian Wells in March.

The result also provided Djokovic with an opportunity to avenge his previous defeat against Vacherot, who stunned the 24-time Grand Slam champion during their semi-final meeting at the Shanghai Masters last year before going on to claim the title.

The opening set was closely contested, with both players struggling to create clear opportunities. Vacherot eventually gained the advantage in the tie-break, winning four consecutive points to take the first set and put Djokovic under pressure.

The Monegasque carried his momentum into the second set, breaking Djokovic early to establish a 2-0 lead. However, the Serbian responded after receiving treatment for a shoulder problem, gradually finding his rhythm and putting his opponent under pressure.

Djokovic recovered the break and continued to battle for control before securing another crucial breakthrough in the 12th game to take the set 7-5 and force a decider.

The final set proved much more straightforward for the former world No. 1. He broke Vacherot early, established a commanding advantage and secured another break before completing the comeback with a backhand winner down the line.

The victory also made Djokovic the oldest player to win a match in Paris Masters history at 39, further extending his record at the tournament.

Speaking after the match, Djokovic expressed satisfaction with his performance and thanked the Paris crowd for the support he received throughout the contest. He also acknowledged the difficult playing conditions and the challenge posed by Vacherot's powerful serve.

Beyond reaching the next round, the victory is particularly important for Djokovic's ambitions of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin. He currently occupies 11th position in the Race to Turin and needs a strong run in Paris to improve his chances of securing a place among the qualifiers.

Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton and Daniil Medvedev have already booked their places, while Jannik Sinner is unavailable because of injury. Djokovic will need at least a semi-final appearance to remain in contention for qualification.

The Serbian will face Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata in the second round as he continues his pursuit of an eighth Paris Masters title and a return to the season-ending ATP Finals.

Elsewhere, former Paris Masters champion Holger Rune suffered an early exit after losing 7-5, 6-4 to Tommy Paul. Andrey Rublev also bowed out following a three-set defeat against Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

Novak Djokovic Stages Comeback Victory Over Valentin Vacherot at Paris Masters

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