Djokovic rallies past Humbert in Basel to keep ATP Finals bid alive

Novak Djokovic recovered from a set down to defeat Ugo Humbert 4-6 6-3 6-4 in Basel, keeping his bid for a place at the season-ending ATP Finals alive. BBC Sport reported that the 39-year-old secured victory after two and a half hours, finishing the contest with a forehand winner down the line on his first appearance at the tournament since 2011.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LPuoelRHWo

The result came with Djokovic sitting 11th in the race to Turin, where only the season's top eight performers qualify. He is seeking a record 19th appearance at the ATP Finals, but the win did not settle his qualification. He entered Basel 319 points behind Rafael Jodar of Spain, who held the final qualifying position and also collected 50 points by winning his first-round match.

Humbert, ranked 38th, put Djokovic under pressure early and took the opening set. The Frenchman then had two break-point opportunities before Djokovic held serve in the second set. Having avoided falling behind again, Djokovic broke Humbert in the following game for his first break of the match, beginning the recovery that carried him through the remaining two sets.

Speaking after the match, Djokovic said Humbert had attacked him from the outset and that he had needed time to find his rhythm. He described the victory as important while acknowledging that there were aspects of his performance he could improve. This was his first indoor tournament since he won the Athens title the previous November, a gap he cited when discussing his expectations of some rustiness.

The comeback also delivered Djokovic's 20th tour-level victory of the year. According to BBC Sport, he has now reached that mark in 21 consecutive seasons. His return to Basel revisited a tournament where he beat Roger Federer to claim the title in 2009, two years before his previous appearance at the Swiss event.

There is another milestone within reach during this campaign. Djokovic won his 102nd tour-level title in Beijing in October, ending a year without a trophy. A title in Basel would draw him level with Federer's 103, the second-highest men's total of the Open era.