Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz started his Paris Masters campaign strongly, defeating Chile’s Nicolas Jarry 7-5, 6-1 in the round of 32. After a bye in the first round, Alcaraz quickly took control with an initial 3-0 lead, though Jarry pushed back before Alcaraz closed the first set. The second set was all Alcaraz, who allowed Jarry just one game, cementing his status as the favorite following world number one Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal due to illness. Alcaraz will next face either Ugo Humbert or Marcos Giron in the round of 16.
In other notable matches, Francisco Cerundolo narrowly defeated Andrey Rublev 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/5) in a close battle lasting nearly two hours and 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, seeded 12th, was upset by American Alex Michelsen in a quick 1-6, 3-6 match. Alex de Minaur also advanced with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Mariano Navone, keeping his ATP Finals hopes alive.
Elsewhere, Holger Rune secured a straightforward 6-4, 6-4 win over Matteo Arnaldi, while Ben Shelton prevailed in three sets against France’s Corentin Moutet. French wildcard Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard staged a thrilling comeback to beat Frances Tiafoe 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, and veteran Richard Gasquet ended his Paris Masters run with a 3-6, 4-6 loss to Belgian Zizou Bergs.
Seventh-seed Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas were set to compete later, rounding out an eventful day at the Paris Masters.
