This archive report was first published on 3 November 2021.
Published on November 3, 2021, Novak Djokovic, the world number one, faced a tough return to the ATP singles circuit at the Paris Masters.
He battled through to beat Marton Fucsovics of Hungary 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in the second round on Tuesday.
Earlier, Felix Auger-Aliassime, the 21-year-old Canadian ninth seed, came from a set down to beat Italian qualifier Gianluca Mager 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.
Auger-Aliassime needed five match points to do so against a dogged opponent, who played way above his world ranking of 66.
He will face Dominic Koepfer, conqueror of Andy Murray, in the second round.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz, the 18-year-old Spaniard, showed real toughness in overcoming Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 in a thrilling see-saw encounter.
He will face the in-form Italian eighth seed Jannik Sinner in the second round.
