Novak Djokovic, Andrey Rublev advance in Paris Masters

PARIS: Novak Djokovic began his campaign of title defence of the Paris Masters by defeating Maxime Cressy 7-6 (1), 6-4 on Tuesday.

Andrey Rublev improved his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals by cruising past John Isner 6-2, 6-3 in the second round.

The seventh-seeded Rublev beat Isner for the first time in four meetings. Isner dropped serve twice in the opening set and Rublev capitalized on three forehand errors by the American to break for a 3-1 lead in the second.

Isner slammed 11 aces, but Rublev did not face any break points and proved the better player in rallies, making only five unforced errors to 13.

In other matches of the day, Grigor Dimitrov beat Boticvande Zandschulp 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5), Tommy Paul beat Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 6-4, Hubert Hurkacz beat Adrian Mannarino 7-6, 6-4, Fabio Fognini beat Arthur Fils 7-6, 6-7, 6-2.

In first-round matches, No. 14 seed Pablo Carreno Busta ousted Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-3, 6-3, French qualifier Corentin Moutet stunned Borna Coric 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, Daniel Evans overcame Brandon Nakashima 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, and Jack Draper beat Arthur Rinderknech 6-3, 6-4. Agencies

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