- The 10th-seeded Serbian looked in danger of an early exit.
- Djokovic faced another difficult moment at 4-4 in the second set.
- Djokovic has an important qualification battle ahead of him.
Novak Djokovic survived a major scare against Valentin Vacherot to begin his Paris Masters 2026 campaign with a hard-fought victory on Tuesday. The seven-time tournament champion recovered from losing the opening set to defeat the big-serving Monegasque 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1 and advance to the next round.
The 10th-seeded Serbian looked in danger of an early exit after Vacherot took the opening set and continued to put pressure on his opponent in the second. However, Djokovic displayed his experience and fighting spirit to turn the contest around and keep his hopes of another Paris Masters title alive.
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The 24-time Grand Slam champion is also chasing his 103rd career title, which would move him level with Roger Federer in second place on the all-time men's singles title list in the Open Era. Jimmy Connors currently leads the standings with 109 titles.
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Djokovic Survives Vacherot's Big Serve to Complete Comeback
Vacherot made life difficult for Djokovic with his powerful serving and aggressive approach. The Monegasque, who had won the Swiss Indoors title on Sunday, carried his impressive form into Paris and took the opening set in a tie-break, winning it 7-5.
Djokovic faced another difficult moment at 4-4 in the second set when he had to save three break points. Had Vacherot converted one of those opportunities, he would have been in a position to serve for the match.
The Serbian eventually found his rhythm, broke Vacherot to level the contest at one set apiece and dominated the deciding set. He secured an early break before completing the 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1 victory with a superb two-handed backhand winner down the line on his second match point.
Vacherot also troubled Djokovic with 22 aces during the match.
Speaking after the contest, Djokovic admitted that the playing conditions and his opponent's serve made the match particularly challenging.
"His second serves are faster than my first serves, so it's very tough to play a guy in these conditions, which are really, really fast. Last year was very slow, this year is like ice," Djokovic said.
He further explained his difficulties in reading Vacherot's serve, adding, "For a set and a half, I had difficulty reading his serve. Even if I guessed right, it was coming with some speed."
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Both players also required medical timeouts during the second set. Djokovic received treatment on his right shoulder, while Vacherot had his left ankle strapped.
Djokovic's ATP Finals Qualification Hopes Remain Alive
Apart from chasing another title, Djokovic has an important qualification battle ahead of him. The Serbian is currently 11th in the ATP Race to Turin and remains an outsider for a place at the season-ending ATP Finals.
According to the ATP, Djokovic needs to reach at least the semifinals in Paris to remain in contention, with only the Stockholm ATP 250 event remaining after the tournament.