Novak Djokovic boosted his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals for a record 19th time by winning the China Open in Beijing earlier this month. (EPA Images pic)BASEL: Novak Djokovic dug deep to overcome Ugo Humbert in three sets in his opening match in Basel on Wednesday, keeping his bid to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals on course.
The 39-year-old Djokovic dropped the first set but recovered to beat the French left-hander 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 on his first appearance in Basel since 2011.
"It was a super tight match, very intense from the beginning," said Djokovic.
"I was under attack from the very first point. I had to weather the storm, but I managed to find my rhythm at the beginning of the second set.
