Novak Djokovic was pushed to nearly the limit Thursday at the Paris Masters but the six-time champion prevailed Tallon Griekspoor 4-6, 7-6(7-2), 6-4.

The 27-year-old Dutchman came from 3-0 down taking advantage of an energy-slump from the Serb to grab the opener. Djokovic admitted after he’s been battling a stomach bug.

Both missed early break chances in the second, but the world No. 1 got the breaker and then got the first break in the third to pace his 15th straight match win.

“I don’t want to take anything away from his performance. He didn’t drop the level,” Djokovic said to the ATP. “Maybe in the third set a few games he did a bit, but he was playing at a very high level and credit to him for that performance. If he would be the winner tonight, it would be absolutely deserved.

“I started off well but I ran out of steam. I’ve been struggling the last couple of days with my stomach and I just didn’t feel myself at all. I was just trying to hold my serve and get to a tiebreak, which happened in the second. I got lucky on a couple of shots there. It could have easily gone his way, but overall I played a good tiebreak and I started to feel better in the third. I’m really, really glad to overcome this challenge.”

Djokovic will now face Holger Rune in the quarterfinals in a rematch of their 2022 final.

Rune continues to show some improvement as he topped Daniel Altmaier of Germany 6-3, 6-3. Keeping pace for that 8th spot is Hubert Hurkacz how ousted Francisco Cerundolo 6-4, 6-3.

Hurkacz will meet Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian blasted Alexander Bublik 6-2, 6-2.

Jannik Sinner was to play Alex De Minaur but the Italian withdrew due to fatigue after finishing at 2:37am.

In the match marquee match of the day, Stefanos Tsitsipas eased past Alexander Zverev 7-6(7-2), 6-4.

The Greek had 10 aces (7 in the first set) and broke the German to start the second. Zverev never saw a break chance after the first set as he falls to 4-9 against Tsitsipas. The win for Tsitsipas also secured his spot in Turin.

“It’s awesome. What a great relief to finally get that spot,” Tsitsipas said. “I’ve been working extremely hard the whole year… and it’s a moment of relief that I’ve made it to one of my favorite events of the year and I get the opportunity to play in from my Italian fans, but also get some Greek people in.”

Tsitsipas will now take on former champion Karen Khachanov who took care of countryman Roman Safiullin 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

No. 5 Andrey Rublev got by Botic Van De Zandschulp in straights 6-3, 6-3. De Minaur will be next.