The 2024 season is slowly starting to wind down but there is still time for one more big event before the year-end championships next month: the Paris Masters.
Since the event launched in 1969, the Paris Masters has become one of the most prestigious titles to win in tennis – with several of the game’s greats prevailing in the French capital.
Defending champion and tournament record-holder Novak Djokovic is not defending his title and, in his absence, all eyes will be on two men: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
They are the top two seeds in the draw and are joined at the top of the draw by third seed Alexander Zverev and fourth seed Daniil Medvedev, with all of the top 10 bar Djokovic in action.
With action underway soon, we make our predictions for the final Masters 1000 event of 2024.
Alcaraz lifts title
Alcaraz has never reached the final of an indoor tournament during his career, though that looks set to change in Bercy this coming week.
The Spaniard should be well-rested after a surprise Shanghai loss – only playing the Six Kings Slam since then – and has been handed a hugely favourable draw.
After an opening bye, he could face out-of-form Nicolas Jarry in round two before 15th seed Ugo Humbert – who he beat at Wimbledon – waits in round three.
The Paris Masters is set to be a climactic finish to the regular 2024 ATP Tour, with the world’s top players converging in the iconic French capital for one last Masters 1000 event before the prestigious ATP Finals. The tournament, established in 1969, has always been known for its high stakes, fast indoor courts, and unpredictable outcomes, earning it a special place in tennis history. Over the years, legends like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andre Agassi have left their mark here, making the title one of the most coveted on the circuit.
This year, defending champion Novak Djokovic will be notably absent. Djokovic, who holds the record for the most Paris Masters titles, opted not to compete, a choice that has shifted the tournament’s power dynamics and set the stage for new faces to potentially make a deep run. Djokovic’s absence has also cleared the path for two of the most exciting young talents in tennis right now: top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz and second-seeded Jannik Sinner.
Both players have made significant strides in their young careers and are poised to make a lasting impression in Paris. Alcaraz, in particular, is looking for redemption after his surprise loss in Shanghai. A powerful, all-court player with explosive groundstrokes, Alcaraz has struggled to translate his success to indoor courts, but the Paris Masters could be his breakthrough moment. Meanwhile, Sinner, who has impressed with a consistent season and multiple deep runs, has shown an affinity for fast courts, making him a strong contender in Djokovic’s absence.
Carlos Alcaraz enters the Paris Masters with a point to prove. The 21-year-old Spaniard has quickly become one of the sport’s brightest stars, captivating fans with his intensity and charisma on the court. Despite his impressive resume, including a Grand Slam title, Alcaraz has yet to reach the final of an indoor tournament, something he aims to change in Bercy. He benefits from a favorable draw, beginning with an opening bye before potentially facing Nicolas Jarry, who has been struggling with form. In the third round, he may meet 15th seed Ugo Humbert, a player Alcaraz dispatched in straight sets at Wimbledon earlier this year.
With his blend of athleticism and shot-making ability, Alcaraz is a versatile player who adapts well to different surfaces. Although indoor courts have traditionally been challenging for him, his performance in Paris could signal a new era in his career. The fast, low-bouncing surface might suit his aggressive game and allow him to play more freely, making him a strong favorite to go deep in the tournament.
Jannik Sinner, on the other hand, has been a revelation this season. The Italian has steadily climbed the rankings, and his all-court game has evolved tremendously under the guidance of his coach. Known for his powerful baseline play and remarkable composure, Sinner’s ability to maintain a calm demeanor under pressure has served him well, especially in big tournaments. With his consistency and adaptability, he has proven to be a formidable opponent on any surface.
In Paris, Sinner will be looking to leverage his strong ground game and sharp angles to exploit the quick indoor conditions. His draw also appears manageable, but he might face a challenging match against Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev if they make it to the latter stages. Sinner’s mental toughness and his ability to stay aggressive will be key if he wants to capture his first Masters 1000 title here.
Aside from the top two seeds, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev round out the top four. Both players have extensive experience on indoor courts, with Medvedev known for his strategic depth and defensive resilience. Medvedev, a former Paris Masters finalist, has the kind of game that thrives on fast courts, where his counter-punching and tactical play can disrupt opponents’ rhythm. Zverev, the third seed, is another serious contender; his powerful serve and ability to dominate with his forehand make him a dangerous opponent, especially indoors.
While Alcaraz and Sinner are the top picks, the Paris Masters is often full of surprises, and lower-seeded players could make a significant impact. Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev are both experienced players who have reached Masters 1000 finals before. Rublev, with his ferocious groundstrokes and relentless pace, has a game that translates well to the Paris conditions. Tsitsipas, though inconsistent this season, has the shot-making skills to dismantle any opponent on his day.
Given the form and draw of the tournament, Carlos Alcaraz stands out as the favorite. The young Spaniard has proven he can handle pressure and has continually shown resilience in challenging matches. With Djokovic out of the picture and Alcaraz’s potential to elevate his game, the stage is set for him to break through on the indoor circuit.
Should Alcaraz succeed, this title would be a massive confidence boost ahead of the ATP Finals and a symbolic moment in the ongoing power shift at the top of men’s tennis. A win in Paris would add a significant milestone to his already impressive season, sending a strong message to the rest of the tour that he’s prepared to contend for titles on every surface and under all conditions.
With the year-end championships approaching, the Paris Masters provides a final platform for players to solidify their rankings and build momentum. The event’s legacy as one of the sport’s premier indoor tournaments means it is not just about winning points or prize money – it’s about staking a claim as a serious contender on the ATP Tour. For Alcaraz and Sinner, the Paris Masters is an opportunity to further their legacies and establish themselves as players ready to fill the void left by the absence of legends like Djokovic.
All eyes are on Paris as fans anticipate a thrilling final Masters 1000 showdown, with Alcaraz, Sinner, Medvedev, and Zverev leading the charge. With such a stacked field, the tournament is bound to deliver exciting matchups, unexpected twists, and perhaps even a glimpse into the future of men’s tennis.