"For an old guy, not too bad": Novak Djokovic fires back at critics after dramatic Paris comeback

Tuesday, 03 November 2026 at 20:00

Novak Djokovic kept his hopes of reaching the ATP Finals alive with a dramatic comeback against Valentin Vacherot at the Paris Masters. The Serbian recovered from a set and a break down to defeat the Monegasque 6-7(5), 7-5, 6-1 in two hours and 29 minutes, avenging his defeat in their Shanghai Masters semi-final last year.

The 39-year-old was pushed to the limit by Vacherot, who had stunned him in Shanghai in 2025 while still ranked outside the world's top 200, before going on to claim his maiden Masters 1000 title. This time, Djokovic found a way to turn the match around, producing a dominant final set to advance to the next round.

The victory also keeps alive his pursuit of a place at the ATP Finals in Turin. Djokovic needs at least a semi-final appearance in Paris to retain a mathematical chance of qualification, although that result would still leave him dependent on other contenders dropping points. Winning the tournament remains the only way to guarantee his place without relying on the results elsewhere.

After the match, Djokovic was asked about his ability to recover from such a difficult position and maintain his level deep into the contest. His response included a pointed reference to the doubts surrounding his age, as he made clear that he is not ready to give up competing at the highest level.

Djokovic jokes about his age after surviving Vacherot challenge

The opening set was a battle of serves, with Vacherot making full use of his powerful delivery to keep Djokovic under pressure. The Serbian saved three set points while serving at 5-6, but the Monegasque eventually took control of the tiebreak to move ahead.

Djokovic then found himself a break down in the second set before taking advantage of a loose service game from his opponent to get back into the match. "I expected a match like this, to be honest, with very few opportunities to break, especially for me, he said. “I mean, he has a tremendous serve. It's huge, both first and second serves, and for like a set and a half, I had a very difficult time returning."

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"Even if I guessed right where he was going to serve, I mean, it was coming at some speed, you know, 215, 220, 225. It's really hard to play someone like that," the 7-time Paris Masters champion added. "He doesn't give you many opportunities throughout the entire match, and then it puts additional pressure on your service games."

Djokovic had also let an opportunity slip in the opening-set tiebreak, missing a straightforward forehand volley before losing the next points and eventually the set. He was candid about the mistake when discussing how the match had turned against him.

"I missed that incredibly easy forehand volley. I don't know what happened. I just had a brain freeze, and the next thing you know, I was down a set and a break."

The Serbian recovered the break at 2-1 in the second set and eventually levelled the match at one set apiece. He then took complete control in the decider, winning 65 per cent of the points played in the third set. His first serve was particularly effective, accounting for 93 per cent of the points he won behind it.

"For an old guy, not too bad," Nole joked. "People think that I'm too old, too slow, but somehow I managed to find a way to win this kind of match, especially the ones that go the distance.

"So I'm still there. I'm still hanging on and giving it whatever I can, trying to always find my best level when it matters."

Novak Djokovic hitting backhand at 2026 US Open.

Djokovic keeps ATP Finals hopes alive as record comes into reach

Djokovic will now face Rinky Hijikata in the next round, with the Serbian leading their head-to-head record 2-0. The Australian represents another obstacle in a tournament where every victory carries additional importance, given Djokovic's position outside the current ATP Finals qualification places.

The Serbian is chasing a record 19th appearance at the season-ending championships, which would take him clear of Roger Federer's 18. He is also a seven-time ATP Finals champion, having won the tournament more times than any other player. However, his immediate priority is to keep progressing in Paris and put pressure on the players directly above him in the Race to Turin.

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A semi-final appearance would keep his qualification hopes mathematically alive, but would not guarantee a place in Turin. Djokovic would still need favourable results from his direct rivals, while reaching the final would put him in a considerably stronger position. Winning the Paris Masters, however, would secure his qualification under the current scenarios.

For now, the comeback against Vacherot gives the former world No. 1 another opportunity to extend his season. At 39, he remains in contention for one of the biggest prizes left on the calendar, and his response after the match suggested he has little intention of stepping aside just yet.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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