Novak Djokovic responded to critics who have described him as “too old” and “too slow” after battling past Valentin Vacherot in a three-set match at the Paris Masters on Tuesday. The Serbian won 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1 in two hours and 35 minutes to advance to the second round.
Vacherot, the world No. 27 and Basel Open champion, took the opening set in a tie-break after serving 14 aces. He then broke early in the second, leaving Djokovic trailing by a set and a break. Djokovic received treatment on his right shoulder at 2-1 down, while Vacherot later had his left ankle and foot strapped.
Djokovic fought back to level the match, saving several break points at 4-4 before taking the second set 7-5. He then took control in the decider, winning it 6-1.
“For an old guy, not so bad!” Djokovic told Sky Sports. “People think I am too old, too slow, but somehow I managed to find a way to win this kind of match.” He added that he was still trying to find his best level when it mattered.
The 24-time major champion said Vacherot’s serve made the match difficult, noting that it reached speeds of 215-225kph. Djokovic also acknowledged missing an easy forehand volley in the first-set tie-break and said he had been a set and a break behind before getting back into the match.
The win also keeps Djokovic in contention for a place at the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin. He entered the tournament with 2,900 points in the ATP Race, 334 behind Rafael Jodar, who held the final qualifying position. After the victory, Djokovic had 2,940 points, while Jodar had 3,234. The report said Djokovic would need to reach at least the semi-finals in Paris to have a chance of qualifying.
Sources: Tennis365.