Paris Masters Draw Released: Alcaraz Leads, Dimitrov Returns!

Even though Saudi Arabia is set to start a new Masters event in 2028, it does not impact the schedule of this year’s last Masters tournament, the Paris Masters. The latest draw has just been released by the organizers.

Alcaraz, who sat out the Shanghai Masters because of injury, will compete as the number one seed. He has yet to make a significant impact in Paris. After conquering Monte Carlo, Rome, and Cincinnati Masters this year, can he carry that momentum into Paris? Enjoying a first-round bye, he will face the winner between Norrie and Baez in the second round.

In the same quarter as him are top seeds Ruud and Auger-Aliassime. However, both recently withdrew from this week’s tour quarterfinals, raising concerns about their physical condition.

Coincidentally, the finalists from the Shanghai Masters, Vachier-Lagrave and Lindgren, are also placed in this section. The former will face Lehecka in the first round, while Muller, who has been in good form lately, will play against Brandon Nakashima.

Fourth seed Fritz heads the second quarter, where other seeded players include Deminor, Bublik, and Khachanov.

Kazakhstan’s “wildcard” Bublik will meet former Masters champion Poplin in the opening round, while Fonseca and Shapovalov will face off again following their Basel quarterfinal encounter; the first-round match between Griekspoor and Diano also draws attention.

The third quarter is led by Zverev, with Musetti as a seeded opponent. The Italian is likely to meet compatriot Sonego in the second round.

Former champion Medvedev will face Munar in the first round. It remains to be seen if he can accelerate his pursuit of a spot in the year-end finals after reclaiming a tour title after more than two years. This section features many first-round marquee matches, including Dimitrov versus Pelicard and Humbert against Fokina.

The final quarter is headed by second seed Sinner, alongside other seeds Shelton, Rublev, and Menchik. This section also features Copil and Mahach, two recent 500-level title winners, set to face each other across the net, while promising young player Lenerchen will compete with Portuguese top player Borges for a qualifying spot.

After a series of intense two-week Masters events, the week-long Paris Masters will feel relatively “friendly.” At present, the battle for spots in the year-end finals has reached a fever pitch.

Regarding former champions, can last year’s winner Zverev return to the spotlight after a long hiatus? How high can Medvedev climb after his recent resurgence? What answers will Sinner and Alcaraz provide? All this will be revealed next week! (Source: Tennis Home, Author: Luo Cheng Qiye)