Djokovic keeps alive bid to squeeze into ATP Finals

Novak Djokovic kept alive his last-ditch bid to qualify for this year's ATP Finals by grinding out a first-round victory over Valentin Vacerot at the Paris Masters.

Likely needing to reach the semi-finals to have a chance of qualifying for the season-ending championships in Turin, the 39-year-old trailed by a set and a break and received treatment to his shoulder in the second set.

But the 24-time Grand Slam champion dug in, cut down his unforced errors and forced his opponent to return ball after ball.

While still below his best, Djokovic won 6-7 (7-5) 7-5 6-1 as his opponent, who was in form after winning the Swiss Indoors title in Basel last week, faltered.