Novak Djokovic will make his long-awaited return to the Paris Masters this coming week, with his last displaying coming in 2023.
However, since that last look, loads has modified.
He stormed to the title that 12 months, beating Grigor Dimitrov in the last to cap off a sensational 12 months where he won three Grand Slams and reached the last of another.
Advertisement
Now, he finds himself scrambling to qualify for the ATP Finals, determined to take part despite having snubbed the occasion in 2024 and 2025.
The Paris Masters represents his last alternative to make a push for qualification, and it could be one of his last ever appearances, according to Cedric Pioline, the event director.
Paris Masters event director makes Novak Djokovic retirement trace
Speaking to the crowd in Paris, Pioline started by discussing his upcoming round-one match-up against Valentin Vacherot.
This marks the begin of a nightmare Paris Masters draw for Djokovic, although the director described it as a ‘magnificent, magnificent match-up’.
Advertisement
He then took a more critical outlook, admitting: “I think the message is: let’s make the most of it. Let’s make the most of Novak, because if it’s not his last appearance here, it’s maybe his second-to-last. Our record holder, seven wins at the Rolex Paris Masters, and, no need to say it, 24 Grand Slam wins.”
Pioline continued, discussing the ATP Finals: “There’s never an easy round, but probably a difficult one, since Vacherot himself, we saw that he was a bit injured this year, came back in good form, with a lot of desire to do well.
“He’s a participant with a lot of high quality in his sport. And Novak is a little less efficient than he was a few years in the past, because the years are there.”
Novak Djokovic will be determined for revenge over Valentin Vacherot
Over the years, Novak Djokovic has never been afraid of enjoying the pantomime villain.
Advertisement
This position was normally taken up after he took challenge with a rival, the umpire, or even a fan in the crowd, riling himself up and enjoying his very best tennis.
Against Vacherot, he should not need any additional motivation.
After all, in their last and only other meeting, the Monagasque player defeated him in the Shanghai Masters en route to the title.
Afterwards, he shockingly admitted: “It’s one of the best matches I’ve ever performed. The match must have lasted 1 hour quarter-hour or 1 hour 20 minutes, and I beat Djokovic.”
Poking the bear is a dangerous transfer when they are as risky and legendary as Djokovic.
Source hyperlink
