Novak Djokovic recovered from a set down to beat Valentin Vacherot 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-1 in his Paris Masters opener. SGGP and Tuoi Tre report that the victory keeps the Serbian in contention for an ATP Finals place.
SGGP lists Djokovic 11th in the Live Race to Turin with 2,940 points, leaving further progress in Paris important to his qualification bid.
Turning point in the second set
Vacherot took the opening tie-break 7-5 and broke early in the second set to lead 2-0. Djokovic received attention for a shoulder issue after reducing the deficit to 1-2, then returned to break back for 2-2.
Vacherot also required treatment for his ankle while trailing 3-4. Djokovic eventually secured the key break in the 12th game to take the set 7-5.
Two further breaks, in the second and sixth games of the decider, put Djokovic in control. He converted his first match point to complete the comeback.
Hijikata awaits
Djokovic said, in comments relayed by SGGP, that Vacherot's powerful first and second serves made reading delivery difficult for roughly the first set and a half.
The Monaco player arrived after winning Basel with five consecutive victories. Tuoi Tre records the Paris contest at two hours and 35 minutes and identifies the 39-year-old Djokovic as the tournament's oldest match winner.
Rinky Hijikata is his next opponent. That second-round meeting is the next step in a Turin qualification campaign whose outcome remains open.