Novak Djokovic came back from a set and a break down to defeat Valentin Vacherot in the opening round of the Paris Masters.

The 39-year-old needed two hours and 29 minutes to secure the 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 6-1 victory, setting up a second-round clash with Rinky Hijikata.

After no break points across the first 11 games, Vacherot brought up three such opportunities in game 12, only for Djokovic to save all three and force a tie-break.

Nevertheless, Vacherot, who was high on confidence after lifting the trophy in Basel on Sunday, won the breaker, reeling off four consecutive points after finding himself 5-3 down.

The Monegasque then started the second with a break, though Djokovic got the set back on serve in game four, and forced a decider with another break in game 12.

And the Serbian's quality came to the fore in the third set as he broke Vacherot's serve twice before clinching victory with his second match point.

10 - Since the tournament's inception in 1986, Novak Djokovic is the first player to claim 10 wins at the Paris Masters after losing the first set. Warrior. #RolexParisMasters | @RolexPMasters @atptour https://t.co/JAsCFHxjUl

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) November 3, 2026

Djokovic still in the hunt for Finals spot

Djokovic still has a chance of reaching the ATP Finals this year, but must reach at least the semi-finals in Paris to give himself a chance.

Since the tournament's inception in 1986, Djokovic is the first player to claim 10 wins at the Paris Masters after losing the first set.

He is also the oldest player to claim a win at the Paris Masters (39 years and 164 days).

He saved six of the seven break points he faced against Vacherot, who was unable to make the most of his 22 aces.

Djokovic has reason for optimism, having won the Paris Masters a record seven times, though he did have to also overcome a shoulder problem in this first-round encounter.

He has only won two of his last four matches, suffering a first-round exit in Shanghai and a second-round loss in Basel, so despite his history, Djokovic is no longer seen as an unbeatable opponent.