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Novak Djokovic US Open 2021
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Novak Djokovic learns Paris opponent following Fabio Fognini-Marton Fucsovics fight


Five-time Paris Masters champion Novak Djokovic now knows who he will face to kick off his campaign for a sixth title in the French capital.

The world number one has not played since the US Open in September. He will be looking to show strong form in the lead up to the ATP Finals in Turin.

As the top seed, Djokovic receives a bye to the second round of the Masters 1000 event. The Serb now knows that he will face Marton Fucsovics in his opening match.

Fucsovics got off to a dominant start, claiming the opening set 6-1 in just 27 minutes. Fognini held on for a tiebreak in the second before facing match point, serving to stay in it at 5-6.

A deep approach shot kept the Italian in it, and he claimed the set soon after 8-6 in the breaker.

After breaking to 5-4 in the decider, Fognini had the chance to claim the match on his serve. But he failed to do so, the match eventually reaching a deciding tiebreak.

Fucsovics finally sealed it 7-5 in the final tiebreak. With an ace out wide, his ninth of the match, he clinched victory over an hour after his first match point.

The upcoming second round tie would have been heavily favourable for Djokovic whatever the result between Fucsovics and Fognini.

The Serb holds an 8-0 win-loss record against Fognini and a 3-0 record facing Fucsovics.

In fact, should Djokovic defeat Fucsovics, he will not face a player that has ever beaten him.

His four possible opponents of Adrian Mannarino, Nikoloz Basilashvili, Miomir Kecmanovic and Gael Monfils have a combined 0-24 win-loss record facing the Serb.

In fact, Monfils has himself lost to Djokovic 17 times consecutively, never registering a win over the world number one.


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