Novak Djokovic is not done yet. The 39-year-old became the oldest match winner in Paris Masters history on Tuesday, battling from a set down to beat Valentin Vacherot 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1 in the first round and keeping alive his hopes of qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals.
It was a win that had everything Djokovic's late-career matches tend to have: a slow start, a physical scare, a tactical adjustment, and then a final set played with the authority of a man who has won this tournament seven times. At an age when most players have long since retired, Djokovic is still finding ways to win at the highest level — and still chasing one more appearance among the world's top eight.
A comeback built on patience
Vacherot, the in-form player from Monaco, took the opening set in a tiebreak, winning four consecutive points to edge it 7-5. Djokovic then found himself trailing 0-2 in the second set and needed treatment on his shoulder, and for a moment the match looked like it might slip away.
Instead, Djokovic did what he has done for two decades: he lengthened the rallies, stretched Vacherot from corner to corner, and waited for the younger man's level to drop. He took the second set 7-5, broke early in the third, and ran away with it 6-1 to complete the victory in two hours and 35 minutes.
The win was Djokovic's first at ATP 1000 level since his run to the fourth round at Indian Wells back in March — a reminder of how disrupted his season has been, and how much this Paris run matters to him.
The record and the race to Turin
At 39 years and 164 days, Djokovic is now the oldest match winner in the tournament's history. The record is a fitting one for a player whose longevity has become one of the defining stories of modern tennis, but Djokovic will care far more about what the win means for the ATP Finals race.
He is currently 11th in the ATP Live Race to Turin, chasing a 17th appearance at the eight-man season finale. Only the top eight qualify, and with rising Spaniard Rafael Jodar currently occupying the final qualifying spot, Djokovic needs a deep run in Paris to close the gap.
His next opponent is Australia's Rinky Hijikata, whom he faces in the second round on Wednesday. Every win from here strengthens his case; every loss makes the maths harder. That is the brutal simplicity of the Race at this stage of the season.
A season of contrasts
Djokovic's 2026 season has been one of highs and frustrations. He reached the Australian Open final and the Wimbledon semi-finals, results that showed his Grand Slam pedigree remains intact. But he fell in the third round at the French Open and the first round at the US Open, and his form at Masters 1000 level has been patchy.
Paris has always been a happy hunting ground for him — seven titles here speak for themselves — and there is a sense that this tournament represents a final opportunity to salvage the season with a statement run. The draw will not get easier: world No. 1 Alexander Zverev and seven-time major winner Carlos Alcaraz both begin their campaigns in the round of 32 on Wednesday.
Around the tournament
Elsewhere in Paris, there were notable results on Tuesday. Ben Shelton, the third seed who enjoyed a first-round bye, opened his campaign with a commanding 6-3, 6-4 win over Cameron Norrie in the night session.
Holger Rune, the 2022 champion who beat Djokovic in that year's final, was eliminated in straight sets, losing 7-5, 6-4 to 12th seed Tommy Paul as he continues his return from injury. The tournament had already lost several big names to late withdrawals, with world No. 6 Flavio Cobolli, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina all pulling out before play began.
FAQ
How old is Djokovic and what record did he set in Paris?
Djokovic is 39 years old. At 39 years and 164 days, he became the oldest match winner in Paris Masters history.
What was the score against Valentin Vacherot?
Djokovic won 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1 in two hours and 35 minutes, after trailing by a set and 0-2 in the second set.
Who does Djokovic play next at the Paris Masters?
He faces Australia's Rinky Hijikata in the second round on Wednesday.
Can Djokovic still qualify for the ATP Finals?
Yes, but he needs a deep run in Paris. He is currently 11th in the ATP Live Race to Turin, with only the top eight qualifying for the season finale.
Sources
- Reuters via GMA News, Djokovic becomes oldest Paris Masters match winner, keeps ATP Finals hopes alive — https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/content/1008205/djokovic-becomes-oldest-paris-masters-match-winner-keeps-atp-finals-hopes-alive/story/?just_in
- Japan Times, Djokovic battles through Paris Masters opener — https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/11/04/tennis/djokovic-paris-masters-opener/
- News18, Novak Djokovic comes from set down to win Paris Masters opener against Valentin Vacherot — https://www.news18.com/sports/tennis/novak-djokovic-comes-from-set-down-to-win-paris-masters-opener-against-valentin-vacherot-ws-l-10411607.html
- Philstar, Djokovic battles through Paris Masters opener — https://www.philstar.com/sports/2026/11/04/2567801/djokovic-battles-through-paris-masters-opener
