Basel:Novak Djokovic overcame a challenging start to defeat Ugo Humbert in three sets in his opening match in Basel, maintaining his pursuit of qualification for the season-ending ATP Finals.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the 39-year-old Djokovic, who had not played in Basel since 2011, initially lost the first set but rallied to secure victory over the French left-hander with scores of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Djokovic described the match as "super tight" and highlighted the intensity from the start, stating that he had to "weather the storm" before finding his rhythm in the second set.
Djokovic's win in Basel follows his victory at the China Open in Beijing earlier this month, marking the 102nd title of his career and enhancing his chances for a record 19th ATP Finals qualification. Despite an early exit at the Shanghai Masters, Djokovic accepted a wild card into the Swiss event after dropping to 11th in the Race to Turin standings.
The seven-time ATP Finals champion did not compete in the past two editions due to injury. With only the top eight players qualifying for the November 15-22 showpiece, and Jannik Sinner already withdrawing due to a knee issue, Djokovic's prospects remain promising. He is set to face Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff in the next round in Basel, holding an 8-0 record against him.