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Djokovic fends off big-serving Vacherot, reaches second round of Paris Masters

Novak Djokovic advanced to the second round of the Paris Masters by defeating Valentin Vacherot 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1, surviving a tense second set where he saved three break points at 4-4 to prevent the Monaco player from serving for the match. The 24-time Grand Slam winner, who is seeking a 103rd career title to tie Roger Federer for second-most in the Open Era, noted that Vacherot's second serves were faster than his own first serves on the unusually fast indoor courts, which also saw 22 aces from the opponent.

Djokovic secured the victory with a two-handed backhand winner on his second match point after breaking Vacherot early in the final set, with both players taking medical timeouts during the middle set for shoulder and ankle issues respectively.

In other first-round action, Ben Shelton defeated Cameron Norrie 6-3, 6-4 to reach the third round and record his 42nd win of the season, while Taylor Fritz beat Benjamin Bonzi 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Nuno Borges defeated Moise Kouame 6-3, 6-1, and Tommy Paul overcame Holger Rune 7-5, 6-4.

Djokovic will face qualifier Rinky Hijikata in the next round, while Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev are also scheduled to play on Wednesday.

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