The world number two Carlos Alcaraz faced a shocking defeat in the third round of the Paris Masters 1000. He lost to the French player Ugo Humbert at the Bercy Pavilion on indoor hard courts in three sets 6-1, 3-6, 7-5. Now, the last ATP Masters 1000 of the year is wide open for almost anyone to win. The two top-ranked players, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, are no longer in the hunt for the title. The defending champion Novak Djokovic is also out.
Carlos Alcaraz Joined Big Upsets
Carlos Alcaraz entered the 2024 Rolex Paris Masters with the easiest path to the title. The 21-year-old had better chances after Jannik Sinner decided to pull out and other top players were upset in the early rounds. American Taylor Fritz lost to Jack Draper in the second round in a tight match 7-6 (6), 4-6, 7-5. The world No. 5 Daniil Medvedev had to experience the same thing. The world No. 5 lost to Alexei Popyrin in three sets 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (4). Lastly, Andrey Rublev lost to Francisco Cerúndolo 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5).
After defeating Chilean Nicolás Jarry in his opening match earlier in the week, Carlos Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm in Paris. This tournament has never been kind to the Spaniard. Carlos Alcaraz has never advanced past the quarterfinals in four appearances. In the match on Thursday, Alcaraz lost the first set in a brisk 26 minutes, finishing at 6-1. He came alive in the second set before facing a much more evenly contested third set. Both Alcaraz and Humbert exchanged stunning shots before Humbert triumphed.
Alcaraz is Gone, The Focus Changes In Paris
Some top players will now seek their chances to be the best in Paris. Stefanos Tsitsipas, who still has a chance to qualify for the ATP Finals. He will compete for a semifinal spot against Germany’s Alexander Zverev. He beat Cerúndolo 6-7(1), 6-4, 6-2, in the third round. Zverev secured his place by defeating Arthur Fils 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Another two players who are still in the hunt to fill the spots for the ATP Finals are gaining the same results. Grigor Dimitrov won 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (5) against Arthur Rinderknech and will face Karen Khachanov in the quarters. Alex de Minaur also had a victory over Jack Draper 5-7, 6-2, 6-3.
With the triumph, de Minaur climbed inside the qualification spots in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin, passing Andrey Rublev to go into eighth. De Minaur could pass Casper Ruud and Djokovic to sixth if he advances to the semifinals of the Paris Masters. Tsitsipas and Dimitrov will also have their chances even though it would be more difficult. They will need a run to the final to stay in contention.
Alcaraz Will Now Focus on These Two Events
In light of his latest disappointment, Carlos Alcaraz must now focus on his final two challenges of the year. The closest event will be the ATP Finals in Turin which will start on November 10. His rival Jannik Sinner also had a long time to prepare for this final ATP Tour tournament due to his absence in Paris. The latter event will be the Davis Cup ‘Final 8’in Malaga, Spain on November 19-24. Notably, this event will also mark the farewell of the legendary Rafael Nadal from professional tennis.
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