Novak Djokovic is through to the third round in Paris-Bercy after a 7-6(1) 6-1 win over Maxime Cressy.
The defending champion lost six points on set throughout the match and looked sharp in his ATP Masters 1000 return.
Djokovic edged the first set on a tie-break and finally broke Cressy’s big serve at 4-4 in the second.
After his win, Djokovic said ‘It was very intense, just a lot of pressure.’ He added ‘When you play someone that serves this well — first and second serve — you don’t have much room to relax and maybe play kind of a softer few games. You just have to be on your toes all the time.’
The Serb was playing the biggest hard-court tournament of his season so far. All past Masters 1000 and Major events on hard courts this year have been in the US, Canada and Australia.
Djokovic’s decision not to get vaccinated against COVID-19 meant that he didn’t meet entry requirements to any of those countries. He is set to play the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin later in November.
Hubert Hurkacz Keeps Turin Hopes Alive
Elsewhere in Paris, Hubert Hurkacz defeated Adrian Mannarino 7-5 6-4 to reach the second round. The Pole must win the tournament to have a chance of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin. He next faces Stan Wawrinka or Holger Rune.
Andrey Rublev edged closer to a place in Turin after a 6-2 6-3 victory over John Isner. The 7th seed will be mathematically sure of a place if he reaches the semi-finals in Bercy.
Tommy Paul will be Rafael Nadal’s second round opponent after a 6-4 6-4 win over Roberto Bautista Agut, and Dan Evans set up a meeting with Stefanos Tsitsipas after a 6-3 3-6 6-4 victory over Brandon Nakashima.
Fellow Brit Jack Draper continued his excellent season with a 6-3 6-4 win over Arthur Rinderknech, and next faces Frances Tiafoe.
Day 2 in Paris also saw Grigor Dimitrov defeat Botic Van De Zandschulp in straight sets and set up a second round meeting with Fabio Fognini. The Italian was a lucky loser at the tournament and knocked out young Frenchman Arthur Fils, who incidentally knocked out Fognini in qualifying.
