TENNIS – RECORD seven-time Paris Masters champion Novak Djokovic became the oldest match winner in the tournament’s history yesterday, beating Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot 6-7(5) 7-5 6-1 in the opening round to keep alive his hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals.
The 39-year-old has endured a tricky season, reaching the Australian Open final and Wimbledon semi-finals while falling in the third round at the French Open and the first round of the US Open.
Djokovic claimed the 102nd title of his career at the China Open last month but suffered early exits in Shanghai and Basel.
With only the top eight seeds receiving first-round byes in Paris, 10th-seeded Djokovic was handed a difficult opener against the in-form Vacherot, who arrived on a five-match tour-level winning streak after lifting the Basel title on Sunday.
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