Milos Raonic
Milos Raonic

Milos Raonic claims long-awaited win in first round of Paris Masters


Former world number three Milos Raonic grabbed a long-awaited win to move into the second round of the Paris Masters.

The Canadian beat British qualifier Cameron Norrie 6-3 6-2 to claim his first victory since the first round of the Rogers Cup in August.

Marin Cilic also maintained his recent momentum with a 7-6 (5) 6-4 win over Poland's Hubert Hurkacz.

Fresh from reaching the semi-finals of the Kremlin Cup two weeks ago, Cilic will next face Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka in the next round.

Fernando Verdasco came from behind to beat Borna Coric 3-6 6-4 6-3, while Moldova's Radu Albot beat his doubles partner Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3 6-2.

Home favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made the most of his wild card entry as he fought back from losing the first set to defeat Andrey Rublev of Russia 4-6 7-5 6-4.

Three more Frenchmen prevailed, with Adrian Mannarino beating Casper Ruud 6-4 6-2 in the evening game, adding to earlier wins for Benoit Paire and qualifier Jeremy Chardy.

Cristian Garin beat Pablo Cuevas 6-4 6-3 in an all-South American affair, and Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff overcame Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan 4-6 7-5 6-2.