Djokovic Survives 22 Aces to Reach Paris Masters Third Round
The 10th-seeded Serbian saved three break points in the second set to defeat Valentin Vacherot, securing a spot in the next round of the indoor tournament.
By Fatou Mitchell ·
Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of the Paris Masters on Tuesday after defeating Valentin Vacherot 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1. The match required the 10th-seeded Serb to save three consecutive break points in the second set to avoid an early exit from the indoor event.
Djokovic, who holds the men's record for 24 Grand Slam titles, stated that the court conditions made Vacherot's serve exceptionally difficult to handle. He noted that the opponent's second serves were faster than his own first serves. Djokovic described the surface as feeling like ice compared to the slower conditions of the previous year. He acknowledged that he had difficulty reading the Monaco player's serves for a set and a half, even when he guessed the direction correctly.
Vacherot hit 22 aces during the contest. After breaking the French player to level the match, Djokovic regained control in the deciding set. He broke Vacherot at the start of the third set and won the match on his second match point with a two-handed backhand winner down the line. Both players took medical timeouts during the second set, with Djokovic receiving treatment for his right shoulder and Vacherot having his left ankle strapped.
The result moves Djokovic closer to a potential 103rd career title, a mark that would tie Roger Federer for second place in the Open era behind Jimmy Connors. He is currently 11th in the race for the ATP Finals. The ATP indicated that he must reach at least the semifinals in Paris to remain in contention, as the Stockholm ATP250 event is the only remaining tournament after Paris.
In other first-round action on Tuesday, third-seeded Ben Shelton defeated Cameron Norrie 6-3, 6-4. The American recorded his 42nd win of the season, equaling his best total. He has added Juan Carlos Ferrero to his coaching team for 2027 and has already qualified for the ATP Finals. No. 11-seeded Taylor Fritz won 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 against Benjamin Bonzi.
French teenager Moïse Kouame lost 6-3, 6-1 to Nuno Borges. Holger Rune, the 2022 champion, fell 7-5, 6-4 to No. 12-seeded Tommy Paul. Rune is returning from an Achilles injury and lost to Vacherot in the Swiss Indoors quarterfinals last week.
In the third round on Wednesday, Alexander Zverev plays Lorenzo Musetti. Djokovic faces qualifier Rinky Hijikata. Second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz is scheduled to play Alex Michelsen, while No. 4-seeded Daniil Medvedev plays Ignacio Buse.
