‘People think I’m too old’: Novak Djokovic answers critics with historic win

Twenty-four-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic made history at the Paris Masters, becoming the oldest player to win a match in tournament history. The 39-year-old Serbian rallied past Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-1 in the first round.

The 39-year-old dropped the opening set in a tiebreak and then fell behind by an early break in the second. Djokovic received treatment for a right shoulder issue, while Vacherot had his left ankle wrapped. After saving three break points at 4-4, Djokovic broke at 6-5 to capture the second set.

Djokovic took control in the deciding set, rolling to a 6-1 victory. He will face Australia’s Rinky Hijikata in the second round.

“For an old guy, not so bad, huh?” Djokovic said. “People think that I am too old, too slow, but somehow I manage to find a way to win this kind of matches, especially ones that go the distance.”

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Djokovic entered the week 11th in the Race to Turin as he pursued a spot in the ATP Finals, scheduled for Nov. 15-22. He needs to reach at least the Paris Masters semifinals to remain in contention, while winning the title would guarantee his qualification. An ATP 250 tournament in Stockholm remains after Paris.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘People think I’m too old’: Novak Djokovic answers critics with historic win