As the tournament begins with thrilling matches, Alcaraz shines at the Paris Masters.

giving up just one game. “Every victory is like a gift for me because I haven’t won a match here in Paris in two years,” the 21-year-old said. “It was really crucial for me to enter the second set with confidence,” Alcaraz said, acknowledging the significance of winning the first set. All I need is some time to get used to the pace of the court. Alcaraz has a solid start and is in a strong position to win his maiden hard-court title at the Bercy Arena after world number one Jannik Sinner withdrew due to an intestinal virus. In the round of 16, he will now play either American Marcos Giron or Frenchman Ugo Humbert.

Richard Gasquet, who intends to retire following the French Open next year, lost 3-6, 4-6 to Zizou Bergs (BEL) in yet another heartbreaking moment for French tennis. Seventh seed Casper Ruud (NOR) was disappointed after wasting a 5-1 lead in the opening set to lose to Australia’s Jordan Thompson 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 4-6 in an unexpected comeback.