Novak Djokovic's pursuit of the season-ending world number one spot continued with a 7-5 6-1 victory over Portuguese qualifier Joao Sousa in the second round of the Paris Masters on Tuesday.



Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action during his second round match against Portugal's Joao Sousa. (Reuters)

World number two Djokovic, who received a first-round bye, broke his opponent's serve four times to extend his winning run to 19 matches.

The 31-year-old Serb has returned to his brutal best this season with Grand Slam wins at Wimbledon and the U.S Open, along with ATP Masters triumphs in Cincinnati and Shanghai.

For Djokovic to surpass top-ranked Rafa Nadal when the next edition of the ATP rankings are released on Monday, he must outlast the Spaniard in the French capital this week.

If both players lose in the same round, Nadal will retain the world number one ranking heading into the season-ending ATP Finals in London next month.

Canada's Milos Raonic came from a set down to reach the second round with a hard-fought 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 7-6(5) win over local favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

In a meeting of former finalists, Raonic fired 23 aces and won 89 percent of first-serve points to beat Tsonga in just under three hours.

The 27-year-old Raonic will next face Roger Federer, who is chasing his 100th career title after winning the Swiss Indoors last week.

Fernando Verdasco, who reached the quarter-finals last year, produced a clinical display to defeat Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-4 6-4.

The 34-year-old Spaniard will meet compatriot Nadal in the second round on Wednesday.

                Source: NDO

Related Topics


Luong Son district develops Karate practice movement

With continuous improvements in both quantity and quality, Luong Son Karate Club is a bright spot in building and spreading the Karate training movement among young people and students in Luong Son district of Hoa Binh province.

The imprint of the 32nd Traditional Marathon Tournament of Hoa Binh Newspaper Cup

The 32nd Traditional Marathon Tournament of Hoa Binh Newspaper Cup in 2024 has ended, but there are still good memories and impressions. Through 32 successfully organized seasons, the tradition, brand, quality, and appeal of the tournament have been affirmed.

70 anglers compete in sport fishing tournament in Hoa Binh

Seventy anglers from Hoa Binh and other cities and provinces across the nation participated in a sport fishing tournament in Hoa Binh city on November 20. The event was held by the provincial People’s Committee in collaboration with the Vietnam Sport Fishing Association.

Da Bac district promotes running movement

Mountain running is a sport that offers numerous health benefits and is increasingly attracting participants, especially among the youth. In recent years, the running community in Da Bac district has been growing significantly.

Being impressed with the 32nd Traditional Marathon Tournament of Hoa Binh Newspaper Cup in 2024

The 32nd Traditional Marathon Tournament of Hoa Binh Newspaper Cup in 2024 was a great success. For the athletes, the persistent, "speedy” running amid in cheering and the final smile of victory... are unforgettable memories.

Lac Son district has been spreading the marathon movement

As a rule, every year, Lac Son district organizes a traditional marathon tournament that gathers a large number of athletes. The XXXII District’s Traditional Marathon Tournament in 2024 has just kicked off, attracting nearly 130 athletes from the communes, the town, the other agencies, units and schools, showing the development and spread of the movement.