Paris Masters 2024: Men's singles draw analysis, preview and prediction ft. potential Jannik Sinner-Ben Shelton 2R clash
The men's singles draw for Paris Masters 2024 have been revealed and we could have some thrilling matches at the Accor Arena over the next week. While Novak Djokovic is not defending his title, the Masters 1000 tournament has several quality players in Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev and Taylor Fritz, among others.
The top eight seeds will receive a walkover to the second round in Paris but even some of them could have tough encounters early on. On that note, let us take a look at how the singles main draw at Paris Masters 2024 could unfold.
First Quarter: Jannik Sinner will aim to win 4th Masters 1000 title of 2024
Seeded Players: (1) Jannik Sinner, (5) Taylor Fritz, (9) Alex de Minaur, (13) Holger Rune
Expected Quarterfinal: Jannik Sinner vs Taylor Fritz
Dark Horse: Ben Shelton
Analysis: World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will be a heavy favorite to win the Paris Masters given the quality of tennis he has produced so far this season. The Italian will not have an easy start, however, as he will face either Ben Shelton or Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round.
If Sinner gets past either opponent, which he should, the 23-year-old should be able to have an easy run to the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters, as the likes of Holger Rune and Alexander Bublik are players he can defeat.
The other half of this quarter has fifth seed Taylor Fritz, Jack Draper and ninth seed Alex de Minaur. Fritz could meet Draper in the second round, and that could be a tough fixture for him. However, if the American beats the Brit, he could face Alex de Minaur in the third round.
The two could have a thrilling fixture, and there is a fair chance of Fritz coming out on top to set up a rematch of the US Open final against Jannik Sinner. The Italian's current run of form should be able to see him beat the American again and reach the semifinals of the Paris Masters.
Quarterfinal: Jannik Sinner def. Taylor Fritz
Second Quarter: Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev make for interesting draw
Seeded Players: (3) Alexander Zverev, (6) Andrey Rublev, (10), Stefanos Tsitsipas, (16) Lorenzo Musetti
Expected Quarterfinal: Alexander Zverev vs Andrey Rublev
Dark Horse: Arthur Fils
Analysis: This is an interesting quarter, as it has some fine players in Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Lorenzo Musetti and Marin Cilic. Third seed Zverev should have smooth sailing into the third round, as he will face either Tallon Griekspoor or Luciano Darderi.
Here, the German will most likely take on 16th seed Lorenzo Musetti, even though Marin Cilic and Arthur Fils should not be written off. While Musetti will be a tough opponent to beat, Zverev should be able to beat him and book his place in the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters.
The other side of this draw has Andrey Rublev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. While the likes of Francisco Cerundolo and Alejandro Tabilo should not be written off, it could most likely come down to a match between Rublev and Tsitsipas for a place in the quarterfinals of the Masters 1000 event.
The Greek and the Russian are the most incredible players on their day and we could have a thrilling encounter if they lock horns in the third round. Rublev has had some decent performances lately and he should be able to somehow edge out Tsitsipas and reach the quarterfinals.
Zverev and Rublev could lock horns in the last eight, and if the Russian is able to maintain his composure for the entirety of the match, he should manage to come out on top and reach the semifinals of the Paris Masters.
Quarterfinal Prediction: Andrey Rublev def. Alexander Zverev
Third Quarter: Daniil Medvedev and Grigor Dimitrov could lock horns in Paris Masters QF
Seeded Players: (4) Daniil Medvedev, (8) Grigor Dimitrov, (12) Hubert Hurkacz, (14) Frances Tiafoe
Expected Quarterfinal: Daniil Medvedev vs Grigor Dimitrov
Dark Horse: Tomas Machac
Analysis: 2020 champion Daniil Medvedev is in this quarter and he will have a tough opening match in Paris, as his second-round opponent could be either Matteo Berrettini or Canadian Open champion Alexei Popyrin. The Russian should be able to beat either player and reach the third round.
Here onwards, his potential opponents include Karen Khachanov, Pablo Carreno Busta and 14th seed Frances Tiafoe. If Medvedev is able to maintain a high level of tennis, he should be able to beat either of these players in straight sets and reach the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters.
The other side of this quarter has eighth seed Grigor Dimitrov, who will face either Tomas Martin Etcheverry or Zhang Zhizhen in the second round. The Bulgarian has a fair chance of triumphing against either player and he will most likely face either 12th seed Hubert Hurkacz or Tomas Machac in the third round.
Hurkacz, at his fittest, is a formidable opponent, while Machac recently reached the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters. Hence, Grigor Dimitrov could have a tough fixture on his hands but his recent form should see him triumph and reach the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters.
Dimitrov and Medvedev could put on quite a show at the Accor Arena if they face off in the last eight, and while many would favor the Russian, the Bulgarian's recent exploits should be able to see him reach the semifinals of the Paris Masters for the second year in a row.
Quarterfinal Prediction: Grigor Dimitrov def. Daniil Medvedev
Fourth Quarter: Carlos Alcaraz will aim to have a deep run in Paris
Seeded Players: (2) Carlos Alcaraz, (7) Casper Ruud, (11) Tommy Paul, (15) Ugo Humbert
Expected Quarterfinal: Carlos Alcaraz vs Tommy Paul
Dark Horse: Jordan Thompson
Analysis: Second seed Carlos Alcaraz is in this quarter of the tournament and here he will lock horns with either Nicolas Jarry or a qualifier. The Spaniard's most likely opponent in the third round could be Ugo Humbert, considering his performances over the past few months.
While the Frenchman has played some impressive tennis on hard courts in 2024, Alcaraz at his best is more than capable of beating him and reaching the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters.
Seventh seed Casper Ruud, Jordan Thompson and 11th seed Tommy Paul are on the other side of the draw, and there is a fair chance of the latter reaching the quarterfinals. Paul recently won the Stockholm and has had some good runs on hard courts so far in 2024, while Casper Ruud's form has been pretty shaky lately.
Carlos Alcaraz and Tommy Paul have had some thrilling encounters and there could be another one in Paris if they face one another in the quarterfinals. The Spaniard's quality gives him an edge and there is a fair chance of him registering his fourth successive win over the American.
Quarterfinal Prediction: Carlos Alcaraz def. Tommy Paul
Paris Masters 2024: Semifinal and Final Predictions
Semifinal 1: Jannik Sinner def. Andrey Rublev
Semifinal 2: Carlos Alcaraz def. Grigor Dimitrov
Final: Jannik Sinner def. Carlos Alcaraz