Novak Djokovic will make his long-awaited return to the Paris Masters this coming week, with his last showing coming in 2023.
However, since that last appearance, plenty has changed.
He stormed to the title that year, beating Grigor Dimitrov in the final to cap off a sensational year where he won three Grand Slams and reached the final of another.
Now, he finds himself scrambling to qualify for the ATP Finals, desperate to participate despite having snubbed the event in 2024 and 2025.
The Paris Masters represents his last opportunity to make a push for qualification, and it could be one of his last ever appearances, according to Cedric Pioline, the tournament director.
Paris Masters tournament director makes Novak Djokovic retirement hint
Speaking to the crowd in Paris, Pioline began by discussing his upcoming round-one match-up against Valentin Vacherot.
This marks the start of a nightmare Paris Masters draw for Djokovic, although the director described it as a ‘magnificent, magnificent match-up’.
How would you feel if Novak Djokovic got a wildcard to the ATP Finals?
Is there any changes you’d make to the current qualification system?
He then took a more serious 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 player with a lot of quality in his game. And Novak is a little less effective than he was a few years ago, because the years are there.”
Novak Djokovic will be desperate for revenge over Valentin Vacherot
Over the years, Novak Djokovic has never been afraid of playing the pantomime villain.
This role was usually taken up after he took issue with a rival, the umpire, or even a fan in the crowd, riling himself up and playing 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 easiest matches I’ve ever played. The match must have lasted 1 hour 15 minutes or 1 hour 20 minutes, and I beat Djokovic.”
Poking the bear is a risky move when they are as volatile and legendary as Djokovic.
