Paris Masters 2024
The 2024 Paris Masters is turning heads with a surprising turn of events as some of tennis’s top stars find themselves sidelined, either by choice or by unexpected losses. The biggest shock came with the early exits and withdrawals of three of the sport’s biggest names: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner. These developments have left the field wide open, creating new opportunities for others to shine at one of the season’s final ATP Masters 1000 events.
Novak Djokovic, the reigning ATP Finals champion and seven-time Paris Masters winner, decided to withdraw from the tournament, choosing to prioritize his preparation for the ATP Finals in Turin. With a physically demanding season behind him, Djokovic opted for rest over another appearance in Paris, a decision that signals his commitment to ending the year on a high note at the Finals. His absence, however, brings an end to a record-breaking era: 2024 marks the first time since 2004 that none of the “Big Three” (Djokovic, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal) will capture a Masters 1000 title, as Djokovic’s last chance has now passed with the Paris event.
Carlos Alcaraz, the 2024 French Open and Wimbledon champion, also had an unexpected early exit, adding to the Paris Masters’ drama. Facing Roman Safiullin, a qualifier with notable resilience, Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm, ultimately succumbing to a tough three-set match. The early exit for Alcaraz, who was one of the year’s dominant players, has surprised fans and analysts alike, casting some doubt over his momentum as he prepares for the ATP Finals. Despite his success earlier this season, the Paris Masters loss has raised questions about his readiness to go head-to-head with other top players in Turin.
Jannik Sinner, another major contender and one of 2024’s breakout stars, had to withdraw due to a viral infection. Sinner, who clinched two Masters 1000 titles this year in Miami and Shanghai, had been viewed as a frontrunner in Paris. However, illness prevented him from competing at his peak. With Sinner out, the Paris Masters has lost a star who might have otherwise gone deep into the tournament and added another major title to his name.
These high-profile withdrawals have left the Paris Masters field open and unpredictable, with Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Andrey Rublev emerging as potential champions. Zverev, who has been in impressive form, advanced to the later rounds in Paris and is now considered one of the favorites to clinch the title. Meanwhile, players like Rublev and Tsitsipas are seizing the opportunity to make their mark in a tournament that has traditionally seen domination by the sport’s biggest stars.
With the ATP Finals approaching, these changes at the Paris Masters are sure to shake up the rankings and alter the seeding in Turin. The excitement around Paris’s unexpected draw highlights the shifting dynamics in men’s tennis as new players step up in the absence of household names. For now, all eyes remain on Paris, where an unpredictable end to the season is unfolding, paving the way for new contenders to claim the spotlight.