Paris, Nov 9 (DPA) James Blake beat Fabrice Santoro of France 6-4, 6-3 in the first round of the Paris Masters, likely ending the Frenchman’s two-decade career.
Blake next faces fourth-seeded Andy Murray of Britain, winner of a sixth title this season in Valencia.

Santoro, 36, is in his final ATP season. He swapped shirts with Blake after Sunday’s match and ran a “victory” lap around the court at Bercy arena.

“Although I am the one who made the decision 11 months ago to put an end my career, I still know that many things are going,” said Santoro.

“I’m going to miss many things, and I know the crowd will. I will miss the crowd, and all these rituals I had in my life are going to disappear.”

Santoro was already planning his first post-tennis meal: “This evening, if I want to eat fondue, nothing will prevent me from doing so.

“It’s been a long time I was not allowed to eat that kind of thing. We have very simple rules. It’s different when you are a high level athlete.”

German Benjamin Becker reached the second round over Michael Llodra of France 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the only other first-round contest.