Novak Djokovic kept his bid to qualify for the ATP Finals alive by defeating Valentin Vacherot 6-7 (7-5) 7-5 6-1 in the first round of the Paris Masters on November 3, 2026.
The 39-year-old Serb, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, trailed by a set and a break and received treatment on his shoulder during the second set before rallying to win. The victory made him the oldest man to win a match at the Paris Masters.
Djokovic, currently 11th in the ATP Finals race, likely needs to reach the semi-finals in Paris to secure a top-nine spot and qualify for the season-ending championships in Turin. Jannik Sinner's season-ending injury means the qualification cutoff is ninth place.
Rafael Jodar holds ninth, while Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils, Frances Tiafoe, and Alex de Minaur are also ahead of Djokovic. The Serb next faces Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata, with a potential third-round meeting against De Minaur.
Earlier, British players Arthur Fery and Cameron Norrie exited the tournament. Fery lost 7-6 (8-6) 7-5 to home favorite Quentin Halys, while Norrie fell 6-3 6-4 to third seed Ben Shelton.
Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton, and Daniil Medvedev have already secured their places in the ATP Finals.
