Sports

Djokovic Secures Paris Masters Win to Keep ATP Finals Bid Alive

By Today News Hours Editorial Desk

Novak Djokovic kept his hopes of qualifying for the season‑ending ATP Finals in Turin alive with a comeback victory over Valentin Vacherot in the first round of the Rolex Paris Masters. Djokovic, who is 11th in the Race to Turin with 2,940 points, rallied from a set and a break down to win 6‑7(5‑7), 7‑5, 6‑1. He said he was not the freshest but was glad to turn the match around, noting the slower, bouncy conditions and Vacherot’s confidence after winning his Basel title. Djokovic needs at least a semi‑final run in Paris to have a realistic chance of qualifying for the finals, where he must finish inside the top nine.

Arthur Fery, the British No. 1, produced a career‑high world No. 32 and a spectacular between‑the‑legs drop‑shot winner but was defeated by home favourite Quentin Halys 7‑6(8‑6), 7‑5. Cameron Norrie also exited early, losing 6‑3, 6‑4 to Ben Shelton, who has captured four tour‑level titles and will add former mentor Juan Carlos Ferrero to his team in 2027.

Taylor Fritz defeated Benjamin Bonzi 3‑6, 6‑3, 6‑4 to reach the second round, where he will face Alex Molcan. Tommy Paul, 13th in the Race to Turin with 2,775 points, beat Holger Rune 7‑5, 6‑4.

Flavio Cobolli withdrew from the event after feeling discomfort post‑media day, stating he would focus on recovery. Cobolli remains in contention for an ATP Finals debut, currently sixth in the Race to Turin.

In Chennai, British Jodie Burrage lost 3‑6, 6‑3, 7‑5 to Vaishnavi Adkar after a grueling match in humid conditions. She had to call a doctor during the contest and was visibly shaken.

The Paris Masters is being broadcast live on Sky Sports this week.