Paris Masters 2024 Day 3: Men's singles predictions ft. Karen Khachanov vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
The 2024 Paris Masters has delivered a thrilling start, with fans treated to plenty of tantalizing encounters coupled with some major upsets over the first two days. Day 3 promises even more action, with stars like Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, and Grigor Dimitrov set to headline in the French capital.
The opening rounds featured commanding wins from top players alongside a mass exodus of seeds, with Andrey Rublev, Tommy Paul, Hubert Hurkacz, Casper Ruud, Frances Tiafoe, and Lorenzo Musetti all biting the dust. Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alex de Minaur, and Ben Shelton, meanwhile, safely advanced to the next round of the Paris Masters.
Wednesday’s lineup is set to feature the likes of Zverev, Medvedev, and Dimitrov kick off their 2024 Paris Masters campaigns, while Shelton, Tsitsipas, Rune, and de Minaur continue their quest for the crown. The French crowd will also have ample reason to cheer, with local favorites Arthur Fils, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Arthur Cazaux, and Arthur Rinderknech all taking the court.
With several high-stakes clashes on the cards, here’s a look at predictions for some of Day 3’s clashes at the 2024 Paris Masters.
#3 Zizou Bergs vs Adrian Mannarino
Zizou Bergs found himself in the main draw as a lucky loser after Flavio Cobolli’s withdrawal, after falling in the final round of qualification at the Paris Masters. He made the most of the opportunity, delivering an impressive performance to defeat French veteran Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-4. He won 82% of his first-serve points, saved all five break points he faced, won 78% of points at the net, and racked up 27 winners during the win.
Adrian Mannarino, who entered the main draw with a wildcard, also impressed in his opener, taking down 11th seed Tommy Paul 6-3, 7-5. The Frenchman turned back the clock in a vintage performance, winning 33 return points, hitting 19 winners against just eight unforced errors, and asserting his control in baseline rallies.
Bergs holds a 15-16 record this season, including a strong 17-11 on hardcourts and indoors, while Mannarino stands at 14-29, with a 16-23 mark in similar conditions. With stats slightly favoring Bergs, he enters the Paris Masters fixture as a narrow favorite. However, Mannarino’s momentum and home-court support could make this a thrilling encounter between youthful energy and seasoned experience.
Pick: Bergs to win in three sets.
#2 Arthur Fils vs Jan-Lennard Struff
Arthur Fils enters his second-round match at the Paris Masters with solid momentum following an impressive 7-6 (5), 6-4 victory over former Grand Slam champion Marin Cilic. He showcased his power, winning 91% of his first-serve points, firing eight aces, and amassing 27 winners.
Jan-Lennard Struff also started strong at the Paris Masters, dispatching 16th seed Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-2 in just over an hour. He won 82% of his first-serve points, struck nine aces, and hit 29 winners in a commanding performance.
Fils, boasting a 36-25 season record and two titles, has been especially effective on hard courts and indoors with a 24-15 record. Struff, with a solid 28-18 season and one title, is 9-14 on the hardcourts and indoors, and will pose a serious challenge to Fils in this clash of the big servers and powerful baseline hitters.
With Fils’ impressive recent form, strong hardcourt record, and raucous home crowd support, he heads into this encounter as the slight favorite. Both players will likely employ aggressive net play on the quick surface, setting up a thrilling contest.
Pick: Fils to win in straight sets.
#3. Karen Khachanov vs Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
Karen Khachanov was tested in his opener by Christopher O'Connell but ultimately prevailed with a hard-fought 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (6) win. His experience proved invaluable as he won 80% of his first-serve points, fired 10 aces, and tallied 34 winners. His control in extended rallies and success at the net, where he won 75% of points, highlighted his well-rounded game.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard also endured a marathon match in his opener, outlasting a dangerous Frances Tiafoe 6-7 (5), 7-6 (4), 6-3. His serving was on point as usual, with an impressive 92% first-serve win rate, 28 aces, and both break points saved. He showcased his aggressive approach with 49 winners and 83% success at the net.
Both players arrive in Paris in excellent form. Khachanov holds an 8-1 record over the past two weeks, claiming one title and reaching another final, while Mpetshi Perricard is fresh off a breakthrough week in Basel, where he captured the biggest title of his career.
This matchup promises high-stakes drama, with Mpetshi Perricard riding a wave of momentum and backed by a vehement home crowd. While Khachanov will likely provide a stiff challenge, Mpetshi Perricard’s recent surge suggests he could have the edge in this thrilling encounter.
Pick: Mpetshi Perricard to win in straight sets.