Novak Djokovic begins Paris Masters defence with comfortable win

Novak Djokovic advanced to the second round of the Paris Masters (Image: Getty)Novak Djokovic started his Paris Masters title defence with a straight-set victory as he downed Maxime Cressy 7-6(1) 6-4 in what was their first meeting. It also meant that the Serb maintained two impressive streaks, winning his 17th match in a row and his 11th straight match at Paris-Bercy.Djokovic and Cressy had never faced off on the tour before, and the American had a tough task on his hands in trying to beat the Serb, who was on a 16-match winning streak with his last loss coming in the French Open quarter-final. The world No 34 remained strong in his opening service game as he held for 1-1 after seven minutes, keeping himself hot on Djokovic’s heels.The 25-year-old was then able to save three break points at 3-4 and managed to stay neck-and-neck with the defending champion, forcing a tiebreak to decide the first set. The sixth seed went into a new gear in the breaker, racing to a 6-1 lead courtesy of some mistakes from Cressy’s racket, and closed it out 7-6(1) after exactly an hour.The French-born American was able to save a break point to open the second set with a hold, ensuring he didn’t fall further behind. And it became another closely-fought set as both men got through their service games comfortably.JUST IN: Murray slams ‘unacceptable’ Paris Masters loss as he admits mistakesBut things changed with Cressy serving at 4-4, as Djokovic again found another level and got the crowd riled up as he impressed to get to 30-30, as the world No 34 hit his 10th double fault of the match to gift he Serb a break point with Djokovic converting this time around.And the sixth seed was able to serve out a 7-6(1) 6-4 victory to book his place in the second round in an hour and 43 minutes. Djokovic now extends his winning streak to 17 matches in a row as he keeps his hopes of defending his Paris Masters title alive.DON’T MISSRafael Nadal admits he has ‘body issue’ ahead of tennis returnNadal makes ranking confession after Alcaraz discusses No 1 ‘fight’Nick Kyrgios can’t resist Wimbledon dig after ATP qualification