The last Masters 1000 event of the season unfolds with a tense finish looming over the calendar year. Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic headline a field intent on sealing the top spot in the 2023 ATP rankings. With the ATP Race showing a 490-point gap, Alcaraz can reclaim No. 1 by clinching the title in Paris while Djokovic fails to reach the final. If Djokovic advances to the final but does not win, he would miss the quarterfinals. These are the pivotal scenarios in Paris-Bercy, where the top seeds could only collide in the final, and Djokovic appears to face a tougher route than Alcaraz as the draw takes shape.
Fresh from strong form, Alcaraz starts his campaign in the second round on Tuesday or Wednesday, set to meet either Alexandre Muller of France or Cameron Norrie of Britain. Djokovic’s path looks more demanding, reflecting his recent schedule gaps away from Beijing and Shanghai. The Serb begins in the second round against Miomir Kecmanovic or Etcheverry, with Ben Shelton likely to emerge in the third round as a stern test after a solid late-season surge. In the quarterfinals, Djokovic could encounter Holger Rune, a serious obstacle, while potential semifinal opponents include Jannik Sinner or Andrey Rublev. The draw promises a dramatic clash of generations and styles as both veterans push for one final push up the standings.
Tsitsipas and Zverev advance to the quarters amid strong French support
By the quarterfinals, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev stood out as the primary threats, while a home favorite, Ugo Humbert, looms large on French soil. The Paris draw underscores the depth of talent, with several players capable of shaking up expectations and challenging for a deep run. (Source: Paris Masters coverage, ongoing updates.)
The favorites to reach the semifinals include Casper Ruud and Daniil Medvedev, joined by a mix of top contenders such as Lorenzo Musetti, Grigor Dimitrov, Hubert Hurkacz, and Frances Tiafoe who have shown strong form. Tiafoe, who withdrew from Basel for physical reasons, remains a candidate to influence late rounds if fit and ready. (Attribution: tournament analysis from Paris events.)
Wimbledon: Carlos Alcaraz – Daniil Medvedev. EFE
All roads lead to a compelling finale with Alcaraz and Djokovic chasing another title and a chance to secure year-end No. 1. Djokovic’s status as a formidable opponent is clear, given his robust schedule choices and a bracket that tests him at every turn in Paris. The second-round matchups will set the tone for how far he can go, with early clashes against Kecmanovic or Etcheverry and a potential third-round blockbuster against Ben Shelton setting the tone for a deep run.
Djokovic’s possible quarterfinals could pit him against Rune, with a semifinal possibly featuring Sinner or Rublev, depending on the draw. The combination of seasoned performance and peak form from both veterans and rising stars sets up a Paris that could redefine year-end rankings and fuel a high-stakes chase for the top seed in the global standings. (Cited: event previews and player trajectories from official Paris Masters coverage.)
Novak Djokovic. EFE
All potential rivals and shifting seedings
Carlos Alcaraz’s possible second-round opponents include Alexandre Muller or Cameron Norrie. In later rounds, potential matchups could involve Karen Khachanov, Max Purcell, Laslo Djere, and Luca Van Assche in the round of 16. The quarterfinals might feature Stefanos Tsitsipas, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Jan-Lennard Struff, Ugo Humbert, and Alexander Zverev in prominent roles. (Tournament draw projections, Paris Masters.)
A wider pool of talent could shape the late rounds, with Daniil Medvedev and Casper Ruud among the top seeds likely to present stern challenges. Other notable contenders include Gael Monfils, Francisco Cerundolo, Jiri Lehecka, Roberto Bautista, Sebastian Korda, Hubert Hurkacz, and Frances Tiafoe. Additional threats include Alexander Bublik, Nicolas Jarry, Alexei Popyrin, Grigor Dimitrov, and Lorenzo Musetti. On the top line, Djokovic leads a strong field with Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner, Andrey Rublev, and Tommy Paul among those pursuing a strong finish at the season’s final Masters event. (Comprehensive draw insights from Paris Masters previews.)