Carlos Alcaraz Advances as Djokovic and Zverev Exit Paris Masters

Alcaraz Progresses Amid Upsets at Paris Masters

Carlos Alcaraz remains in the running at the Paris Masters, while several top contenders, including Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev, suffered surprising early exits. Alcaraz defeated Alex Michelsen 7-6(4), 6-3, extending his winning streak to six matches following his recent Vienna Open victory.

The Spaniard now holds the position of highest-ranked player left in the tournament after world number one Alexander Zverev lost to Lorenzo Musetti in his first match in Paris. Zverev was among several seeded players who bowed out on day three, alongside Djokovic who was beaten by Rinky Hijikata. Other notable departures include Daniil Medvedev, Frances Tiafoe, and Alex de Minaur.

Alcaraz Reflects on Big Names Falling in Paris

After his win over Michelsen, Alcaraz addressed questions about the defeats of Djokovic and Zverev. He acknowledged the impact on the draw but emphasized focusing on his own performance. As the world number three noted, the Paris Masters is one of just two remaining one-week ATP 1000 events, making each round especially challenging.

"Of course I like to look at the draw. I love watching the matches, the Masters 1000 in a week we could watch great matches in the first round. So every round is really difficult, it could be the final of a 500 or even the final of a 1000, so you have to be ready and you have to be really focused on every round. It's been a really difficult day for the top guys, but you know I just try not to think about it and I try to step out there playing my best, try to play my best and enjoy."

At the last-16 stage, only three top 10 seeds remain: Alcaraz, Ben Shelton, and Arthur Fils.

Alcaraz Discusses Challenges in Opening Match

Despite surviving the loss of other top seeds, Alcaraz admitted that he still finds the Paris Masters a tough tournament, never having advanced past the quarter-finals here before. He highlighted the court speed as a challenge once more, along with facing an opponent like Michelsen.

"Well it was way faster this court compared to Vienna, which for me was really difficult at the beginning. I knew at the beginning of the day that it was going to be a really tough day because, you know facing Alex is always tough. The way he plays really flat, really aggressive, big serve, trying to go to the net as much as he can, it's always tough no matter the conditions.

But you know, for me I haven't touched this court yet, it was the first time that I stepped on the court here and felt the speed of the court, the balls, everything, how it was going to react, it was on my mind to be honest.

Really happy that I handled everything really well, I managed to play great tennis, strong mentally when the difficulties came and I would say today gave me great feedback to understand how I should play on this court, how I should move. I understand the game, so I just can't wait to play again tomorrow."

Alcaraz will aim to reach the Paris Masters quarter-finals for the first time since 2022 when he faces former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini next. This will be their fifth meeting, with Alcaraz currently leading the head-to-head 3-1.