World number one Novak Djokovic endured a tough return to the ATP singles circuit but battled through to beat Marton Fucsovics of Hungary 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in the second round of the Paris Masters on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old 20-time Grand Slam champion had said on Sunday his greatest fear was lack of match practice having not played since Daniil Medvedev dashed his dreams of a Grand Slam sweep in the US Open final in September.
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The Serbian's fears were borne out as Fucsovics put up a sterner test than the 'rabbit caught in the headlights' one he had produced when they met in the Wimbledon quarter-finals earlier this year.
"It is my return to competition after almost two months of not playing in an official tournament," said Djokovic.
"Thus it was difficult to get into my rhythm but I am happy it is a decent win."
Djokovic -- who rare for him is also playing the doubles in Paris – said he expected a tough match despite having beaten his opponent the three previous times they had met.
"It was a super battle," he said.
