Novak Djokovic kept alive his bid to qualify for the ATP Finals with a hard-fought 6-7 (7-5) 7-5 6-1 victory over Valentin Vacherot in the first round of the Paris Masters.
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 for a 17th time. Jannik Sinner's season-ending injury has opened a place, but Djokovic must overtake players such as Rafael Jodar, Flavio Coboli, Arthur Fils, Frances Tiafoe and Alex de Minaur in the standings.
Next challenge
Djokovic will face Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata in the second round, with a potential third-round meeting against Alex de Minaur.
British interest
Britain's Arthur Fery, who reached a career-high ranking of 32 this year, lost 7-6 (8-6) 7-5 to Frenchman Quentin Halys. Halys will next play seventh seed Frances Tiafoe.
Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton and Daniil Medvedev have already secured their places at the ATP Finals.
