Daijiworld Media Network - Paris
Paris, Oct 30: Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner began his Paris Masters campaign in dominant fashion, defeating Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-4, 6-2 on Wednesday to move into the third round — a victory that keeps alive his bid to reclaim the world number one ranking.
The second seed, who received a first-round bye, showed no signs of nerves despite knowing that a title win in Paris would return him to the top of the ATP rankings following Carlos Alcaraz’s shock exit in the previous round.
“I’m very happy to come through the first match,” Sinner said after the win. “I was very precise, and I also started off with a break straight away, which gives you a bit more confidence.”
The 24-year-old was clinical throughout, wrapping up the contest in just one hour and 27 minutes without facing a single break point. Sinner will next face Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo in the third round on Thursday.
Meanwhile, defending champion Alexander Zverev was pushed to the brink before surviving a stern test from Argentine Camilo Ugo Carabelli. The German third seed recovered from a set down to win 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 7-5 and keep his title defence alive. Zverev will now take on Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who beat Frenchman Arthur Cazaux.
It was a mixed day for top seeds as Norway’s Casper Ruud crashed out in straight sets to Germany’s Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 7-5. In another development, former world number one Daniil Medvedev advanced without playing after Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov withdrew with a shoulder issue, ending his comeback prematurely.
Among Italians, Lorenzo Sonego upset compatriot Lorenzo Musetti in a three-set thriller, denting Musetti’s hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin. Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, just behind Musetti in the race for Turin, edged past France’s Alexandre Muller 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/4).
Elsewhere, Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot once again defeated France’s Arthur Rinderknech, replicating his Shanghai Masters triumph earlier this month. France endured further disappointment as Corentin Moutet — the last local player standing — fell to Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik in straight sets.
Rounding off the day, Russia’s Karen Khachanov overcame young Brazilian Joao Fonseca 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 to set up a round-of-16 clash with Australia’s Alex de Minaur.
With the competition heating up and world ranking stakes on the line, all eyes will be on Jannik Sinner as he continues his charge for both the Paris Masters title and the coveted World No. 1 spot.