{
  "id": 18061975,
  "title": "Djokovic battles through Paris Masters opener",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/djokovic-battles-through-paris-masters-opener",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T03:46:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/racquet-sports/2026/11/1570410/djokovic-battles-through-paris-masters-opener"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Novak Djokovic staged an impressive comeback to defeat Valentin Vacherot 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-1 in the first round of the Paris Masters on Tuesday. The 24-time Grand Slam champion's return to form at ATP 1000-level events followed his fourth-round run at Indian Wells earlier in March. It also avenged their previous meeting, as Vacherot claimed Djokovic's victory at the Shanghai Masters last season. Djokovic told reporters that Vacherot was a formidable opponent, known for his confidence and powerful serves. The victory kept Djokovic's hopes alive for a spot in the ATP Finals later in November, which he currently ranks 11th in the standings. However, his main focus was on securing a win on his return to the Paris Masters. In their opening set, Vacherot gained an early lead through an error-filled tie-break, but Djokovic called for a medical timeout to address a shoulder issue. This interruption seemed to disrupt Vacherot's concentration, as he subsequently double-faulted on Djokovic's second break point. The match swung in Djokovic's favor in the second set, and he broke Vacherot's serve in the 12th game to clinch the victory. Djokovic will next face Rinky Hijikata in the second round.",
  "summary": "PARIS: Novak Djokovic battled from behind to beat Valentin Vacherot 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 6-1 in the first round of the Paris Masters on Tuesday.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "Djokovic breaks Paris Masters record and sets up clash with Aussie",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/djokovic-breaks-paris-masters-record-and-sets-up-clash-with-aussie",
        "published": "2026-11-03T20:16:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Djokovic battles through Paris Masters opener",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/djokovic-battles-through-paris-masters-opener",
        "published": "2026-11-03T21:16:57.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Japan Times",
        "title": "Djokovic battles through Paris Masters opener",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/djokovic-battles-through-paris-masters-opener-18062298",
        "published": "2026-11-04T03:16:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}