Novak made a winning start at the final Masters 1000 event of the season. The Serbian came from a set down to defeat world No. 27 and last week’s Basel champion, Valentin Vacherot of Monaco, 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-1 in the first round of the Rolex Paris Masters.
The match lasted two hours and 35 minutes. After losing a gruelling opening set in a closely contested tie-break, Novak raised his level, took control of the match and produced a strong performance to complete the comeback.
The first 11 games of the opening set were closely contested, with both players holding serve. In the 12th game, Vacherot earned three consecutive break and set points, but Novak saved all three to force a tie-break. The Monegasque took an early 2-0 lead, but Novak fought back to move ahead 3-2. At 5-4, the Serbian had two serves to close out the set, but Vacherot produced two mini-breaks and then held serve to take the opener 7-6(5).
Novak dropped serve at the start of the second set but responded in the fourth game, breaking back to level at 2-2. The contest remained evenly balanced, and at 4-4 the Serbian had to save a break point to stay on serve. He saved his best tennis for the closing stages. Applying pressure on Vacherot’s serve in the 12th game, Novak secured the crucial break to take the set 7-5 and level the match at one set apiece.
Novak took complete control in the deciding set. After a lengthy battle in the second game, he converted his second break point and then consolidated the break to move 3-0 ahead. He extended his advantage with another break in the sixth game, moving within touching distance of victory. Novak then served out the match without difficulty, closing out the set 6-1 to secure his place in the next round.
Novak’s second-round opponent at the Paris Masters will be Australian qualifier Rinky Hijikata, currently ranked No. 83 in the ATP rankings.
Novak has won both of his previous meetings with Hijikata.
Paris represents Novak’s final opportunity to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals, which will be held in Turin.
Photo: Profimedia
