Valentin Vacherot suffered a first-round exit at the Rolex Paris Masters on Tuesday 3rd November, with Novak Djokovic coming from behind to win 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1.
Only two days after claiming his first ATP 500 title in Basel, Vacherot took the opening set against the former world number one. The seven-time Paris champion recovered, however, to secure a victory in just over two and a half hours.
VACHEROT TAKES THE OPENER
Both players held serve throughout the opening set, although Vacherot threatened to break through with Djokovic serving at 5-6.
Djokovic saved three consecutive set points to force a tie-break, where he moved into a 5-4 lead. Vacherot responded by winning the next three points to take the opening set.
The advantage carried into the second set as Vacherot broke Djokovic in the opening game. However, Djokovic recovered the break to level at 2-2, keeping the contest balanced.
A MOMENTUM SHIFT
Both players received medical attention during the second set, with Djokovic treated for a right shoulder problem and Vacherot for an issue with his left ankle.
Djokovic eventually made the decisive breakthrough with Vacherot serving at 5-6, taking the second set to force a decider.
Djokovic broke twice in the final set, completing the comeback and ending Vacherot’s hopes of following his Basel triumph with another run in Paris.
Vacherot finished with 22 aces but converted just one of his seven break-point opportunities, while Djokovic took four of his nine chances.
Vacherot and doubles partner Luca Van Assche also withdrew from their first-round match, bringing his Paris campaign to an end.
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Photo source: Rolex Paris Masters