Paris Masters director suggests that this might be the ‘second to last’ time Novak Djokovic will ever play the event

Novak Djokovic is set to make his return to the Paris Masters this week, marking his first appearance since 2023. However, the tournament may be his last outing, according to Cedric Pioline, the tournament director. Since his last appearance in 2023, Djokovic has won three Grand Slams and reached the final of another, but now faces the pressure of qualifying for the ATP Finals.

Pioline described Djokovic's upcoming match against Valentin Vacherot as a 'magnificent match-up', but also expressed concern that this could be Djokovic's second-to-last appearance at the event. The director highlighted Vacherot's strong form this year, noting that he had returned from injury in good shape and was eager to perform well.

Djokovic, who holds the record with seven titles at the Paris Masters, is likely to be motivated by the prospect of avenging his defeat to Vacherot in the Shanghai Masters earlier this year.