Sinner Targets No. 1 Amid Paris Masters Surprises; Zverev Moves Forward

Last Updated:October 30, 2025, 08:16 IST

Jannik Sinner beat Zizou Bergs at Paris Masters, aiming for world number one. Alexander Zverev survived a tough match, while Casper Ruud and Corentin Moutet exited early.

Jannik Sinner (Picture credit: AFP)

Jannik Sinner began his quest for a maiden Paris Masters title that could return him to world number one with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Zizou Bergs on Wednesday. Meanwhile, reigning champion Alexander Zverev endured a lengthy three-set battle to advance.

Following the unexpected exit of world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the round of 32 on Tuesday, a victory in the ATP 1000 event in Paris would elevate Sinner to the top of the world rankings. However, the Italian second seed showed no signs of feeling the pressure in his opening match at La Defense Arena, where the top eight seeds received byes through the first round.

“I’m very happy to come through the first match," Sinner said. “I was very precise, and I also started off with a break straight away, which gives you a bit more confidence."

Four-time Grand Slam champion Sinner, known for his efficiency on the court, secured his win against the 41st-ranked Belgian Bergs in one hour and 27 minutes without facing a single break point. The 24-year-old executed breaks early in both sets to secure his spot in the third round, where he will meet Francisco Cerundolo on Thursday.

Germany’s Zverev overcame Argentine world number 49 Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 7-5 to begin his title defence. He will next face Spanish 15th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, following his victory over Frenchman Arthur Cazaux.

A hard-fought tie-break separated Zverev and Ugo Carabelli in the opening set, before the 28-year-old cruised through the second in 35 minutes. Zverev then appeared at risk of an early exit like Alcaraz, falling behind 1-3 in the final set, but he quickly responded with a break and secured a crucial break at 5-5 to continue his title defence.

Norwegian eighth seed Casper Ruud was defeated in his opening match by 50th-ranked German Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 7-5. Former world number one Daniil Medvedev of Russia advanced to the third round after Grigor Dimitrov withdrew due to a shoulder issue.

The 34-year-old Bulgarian’s return from a pectoral injury, which had forced him to retire when leading eventual champion Sinner two sets to love in the fourth round at Wimbledon in July, lasted only one match before his latest setback.

Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, who holds the final qualification spot for November’s ATP Finals in Turin, suffered a costly three-set defeat to compatriot Lorenzo Sonego. Just behind Musetti in the race for Turin is Canadian ninth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who edged out a 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4) victory against France’s Alexandre Muller.

Cousins Valentin Vacherot and Arthur Rinderknech opened the day’s action in a rematch of their Shanghai Masters final from earlier in October. Like in China, the Monegasque Vacherot triumphed in three sets against the Frenchman. He will next face Alcaraz’s British conqueror Cameron Norrie.

It was a bad day for the host country as the last remaining hometown favorite, Corentin Moutet, lost in straight sets to the fiery Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan. After the match, Bublik quipped that Moutet would at least not have far to go now that he was eliminated.

“I don’t think it was personal," Moutet said. “Some people talk, some people don’t. I guess he’s part of the first category. He loves to verbally clash with people."

Russian 10th seed Karen Khachanov narrowly defeated Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 and will face Australian sixth seed Alex de Minaur in the round of 16 on Thursday.

(With agency inputs)

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A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports

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