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."

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.