Djokovic beats Isner to reach Paris quarterfinals

Novak Djokovic of Serbia acknowledges applause after defeating John Isner of the USA 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters tennis tournament at Bercy Arena in Paris, France, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013. AP

PARIS — Novak Djokovic rallied from a set down Thursday to beat John Isner 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-2 and reach the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters.

Isner saved six break points to force the early tiebreaker and took the first set when Djokovic’s backhand sailed wide.

The second-seeded Serb raised his game in the second set, making only two unforced errors and breaking Isner twice.

Djokovic then won the last five games of the match, finishing off Isner with a backhand volley.

The Australian Open champion next plays Stanislas Wawrinka, who stayed in contention for one of the two remaining ATP finals spots by beating Nicolas Almagro of Spain 6-3, 6-2.

The seventh-seeded Swiss rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the first set and broke Almagro twice in the second.

Defending champion David Ferrer also advanced, beating Gilles Simon of France 6-2, 6-3.

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