Novak Djokovic beats Gilles Muller as he aims to hold on to world number one ranking

The Serb went on to win 6-3 6-4

Wednesday 02 November 2016 15:18 EDT
Comments
Djokovic has been world number one for over two years
Djokovic has been world number one for over two years (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Novak Djokovic comfortably cleared the first hurdle to retaining his world number one ranking with victory over Gilles Muller in Paris.

The Serbian needs to reach the final of the BNP Paribas Masters, a tournament he has won for the last three years, to ensure he will hold off Andy Murray at least until the ATP World Tour Finals later this month.

Djokovic has struggled for form and motivation since completing his career Grand Slam at the French Open in June, when his lead in the rankings appeared unassailable.

He arrived in Paris after a two-week break without either of his coaches Boris Becker or Marian Vajda but declaring himself rejuvenated.

After an impressive first set against Luxembourg's Muller, Djokovic was less impressive in the second but saved a break point in the fourth game and went on to win 6-3 6-4.

He is likely to face a stiffer test next against Grigor Dimitrov.

The race to qualify for the World Tour Finals in London was opened up by a 6-2 6-4 defeat for sixth seed Dominic Thiem against Jack Sock.

(Getty
(Getty (Getty)

Thiem is currently seventh in the standings - with the top eight men to qualify - but could yet be overtaken.

Marin Cilic, one place behind the Austrian, continued his winning run after victory in Basle last weekend by beating his fellow Croatian Ivo Karlovic 7-6 (9/7) 6-2.

He next plays another of the men in contention, David Goffin, who was a 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 winner over France's Nicolas Mahut, while Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-3 6-4.

Kei Nishikori, who is already assured of his place at the O2 Arena, saw off Viktor Troicki 6-2 7-5.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in