Alcaraz Shines at Paris Masters as Tournament Kicks Off with Exciting Matches

The 2024 Paris Masters got underway with thrilling encounters on Tuesday, headlined by Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who secured an emphatic 7-5, 6-1 victory over Chile’s Nicolas Jarry. After receiving a bye in the opening round, Alcaraz wasted no time establishing his dominance, racing to a 3-0 lead in the round of 32. Though Jarry mounted a brief resistance, Alcaraz sealed the first set 7-5 and breezed through the second with ease, conceding only a single game.

“It’s been two years since I won a match here in Paris, so every win is like a gift for me,” the 21-year-old commented. Alcaraz acknowledged the importance of winning the opening set, saying, “It was really crucial for me to enter the second set with confidence. I just need some time to adjust to the court’s speed.”

With a strong start and the withdrawal of world number one Jannik Sinner due to an intestinal virus, Alcaraz is well-positioned as a top contender for his first hard-court title at the Bercy Arena. He will now face either France’s Ugo Humbert or American Marcos Giron in the round of 16.

Other Results from Tuesday

Francisco Cerundolo (ARG) defeated Russian sixth seed Andrey Rublev 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/5) in a gripping contest that lasted nearly two hours and 20 minutes.
Jack Draper (GBR) extended his fine form after winning his first ATP 500 title in Vienna by beating Jiri Lehecka (CZE) 7-5, 6-2.
In a major upset, Alex Michelsen (USA) routed 12th seed Hubert Hurkacz (POL) 6-1, 6-3 in just over 50 minutes.
Alex de Minaur (AUS) kept his ATP Finals hopes alive with a 7-5, 6-1 win over Mariano Navone (ARG).
Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) advanced comfortably to the round of 16, defeating Alejandro Tabilo (CHI) 6-3, 6-4.
Holger Rune (DEN) defeated Matteo Arnaldi (ITA) with a routine 6-4, 6-4 victory.
Ben Shelton (USA) showcased his resilience in a hard-fought three-set victory over Corentin Moutet (FRA).
French wildcard Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard pulled off an upset by overcoming Frances Tiafoe (USA) 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-3.

In another emotional moment for French tennis, Richard Gasquet, who plans to retire after next year’s French Open, suffered an early exit after losing 3-6, 4-6 to Zizou Bergs (BEL).

There was disappointment for seventh seed Casper Ruud (NOR), who squandered a 5-1 lead in the first set and lost 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 4-6 to Australia’s Jordan Thompson in a surprising comeback.