Novak Djokovic faces crucial Paris Masters test in ATP finals race

By SABC Sport
3rd November 2026

Novak Djokovic is aiming to strengthen his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals when he begins his Paris Masters campaign against Valentin Vacherot on November 3.

The Serbian currently sits 11th in the Race to Turin standings, with only the top eight players earning places at the season-ending competition, which takes place from November 15-22. However, world No. 2 Jannik Sinner's injury-enforced absence has improved Djokovic's prospects.

The former world No. 1 recently claimed his 102nd career title in Beijing in October, but followed that success with early departures at the Shanghai Masters and Basel.

Djokovic believes he is nearing a solution to the health problems that have disrupted his campaign and will hope to finish the year strongly in Paris, which runs from November 2-8.

"This year the focus shifted to feeling well on the court rather than playing well, to be honest, because for most of the tournaments I played, I didn't play many, it was health-wise a big struggle," Djokovic told reporters.

"It had nothing to do with my preparation or whether I'm training enough, because I see there are a lot of people that love to express expert opinions on knowing exactly what's happening with me, but they don't."

"Whenever I felt better on the court, and lately that's been the case, we're getting closer to solving what I have been going through in the last 12 months," Djokovic added.

"So right away, my performance level, my enjoyment on court, my feeling is great and I play better. Beijing was the best week of the year other than Australia and I thought I played pretty well in Basel, as well.

"Of course that was a tight match to lose, but just trying to enjoy the last couple weeks of the season and on the court feeling better primarily.

"Then the performance will come. We'll see after that."

Despite reaching the Australian Open final and Wimbledon semi-finals in 2026, he endured disappointing early exits at the French Open and US Open. His last Grand Slam triumph remains the 2023 US Open, as he continues pursuing a historic 25th major title.