Novak Djokovic maintained his fading qualification hopes for this year's ATP Finals by securing a demanding first-round victory over Valentin Vacherot at the Paris Masters. According to BBC Sport, the 39-year-old Serbian champion recovered from a set and break down to prevail 6-7 (7-5) 7-5 6-1 in a match lasting two and a half hours, during which he required shoulder treatment in the second set.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion will likely need to reach the semi-finals at the Paris Masters to have any realistic chance of qualifying for the season-ending championships in Turin. Djokovic is currently positioned 11th in the ATP standings, and with Jannik Sinner sidelined by injury for the remainder of the season, he must finish in the top nine to secure his place at the Finals.
In overcoming Vacherot, Djokovic became the oldest man to win a match at the Paris Masters. His opponent had arrived in Paris with considerable momentum following a title victory at the Swiss Indoors in Basel the previous week, but struggled to maintain that form as the match progressed. Djokovic gradually reduced his unforced errors and forced Vacherot into a succession of defensive positions, with the Swiss player ultimately unable to sustain the level required.
Not the freshest out there after two and a half hours but I am glad to turned this match around. Vacherot won in Basel and had a lot of confidence. You could feel that. His third serve is quicker than my first so it is very difficult.
These were Djokovic's reflections to Sky Sports following his victory. His path to the Finals has become considerably more challenging following his loss in the last 16 at Basel, which left him needing strong performances in Paris to improve his standing.
The qualification race remains highly competitive. Spain's Rafael Jodar currently occupies the ninth and final qualifying position, while Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils, Frances Tiafoe and Australia's Alex de Minaur all sit above Djokovic in the standings and are similarly pursuing their spots in Turin. Djokovic and De Minaur could potentially meet in the third round in Paris, with the Serb scheduled to face Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata in the second round. According to Tennis Majors, Hijikata defeated Luciano Darderi 6-2, 6-2 in 64 minutes to set up the potential second-round encounter.
Djokovic's absence from the ATP Finals in the past two seasons resulted from injury complications, though his last failure to qualify on merit occurred in 2017. His record at the season-ending championship stands at seven titles, the most in the tournament's history. The Serbian star has been working to rebuild his competitive standing after a period of physical challenges that have limited his participation in major tournaments.
The Paris Masters, being held at La Défense Arena in Nanterre, marks the tournament's first move from its traditional Bercy venue. The competition continues through November 8, with the men's singles final scheduled for 15:00 local time on that date.
Several players have already secured their places in Turin. Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton and Daniil Medvedev have all guaranteed their participation in the season-ending championships.
Fery's Paris Campaign Ends Against Halys
Britain's Arthur Fery, who reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon earlier this year, exited the Paris Masters in the opening round after losing 7-6 (8-6) 7-5 to home favourite Quentin Halys. The match featured consistent serving from both competitors throughout the opening set, with Halys ultimately prevailing in a tightly contested tie-break after saving two set points.
Halys impressed particularly with his serving performance and successfully defended two break points early in the second set before earning a crucial break of serve that allowed him to serve for the match. The Frenchman sealed victory with an ace and will advance to face seventh seed Tiafoe, who received a first-round bye.
Fery's loss in Paris follows a disappointing summer campaign. Alongside his memorable Wimbledon run to the semi-finals, the British player fell short in his bid for a first ATP 250 title when he lost the Winston-Salem Open final to Ignacio Buse in August. He achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of 32 during the 2026 season, representing significant progress in his professional development.
What Happens Next
Djokovic's qualification hopes will be tested further as the Paris Masters progresses through its remaining rounds. His second-round encounter with Hijikata, a qualifier ranked No. 83 who advanced through two qualifying rounds, will determine whether he can maintain momentum toward the semi-finals and beyond. The tournament concludes on November 8, giving Djokovic and other contenders a final opportunity to improve their standings before the ATP Finals qualification deadline.
