Carlos Alcaraz’s chances of winning the Paris Masters have increased significantly.
The world number three was already the strong favourite for the Masters 1000 title following Alexander Zverev’s defeat to Lorenzo Musetti on Wednesday.
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After defeating American US Open quarter-finalist Alex Michelsen, Alcaraz was due to play 2021 Wimbledon finalist and three-time Davis Cup champion Matteo Berrettini.
Berrettini withdrew from their contest on Thursday morning, sending Alcaraz through to the quarter-finals.
Matteo Berrettini reveals arm injury in statement
“Hello everyone, unfortunately the pain in my arm that I have been carrying for a few days will not allow me to go on the court tonight,” Berrettini, the world number 43, wrote in a message on his Instagram story.
“In the next few days I will do all the necessary investigations to better understand what it is.
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“Thank you all for the support and affection you show me every day on and off the field.”
The injury represents an unfortunate outcome for Berrettini, who has suffered from a plethora of physical issues in the past.
In withdrawing from the event, the Italian’s season has now concluded.
As for Alcaraz, he awaits the winner of Arthur Fils and Taylor Fritz in the Paris Masters quarter-finals. If the Spaniard advances to the semi-finals, he will most likely play former world number two Casper Ruud.
Ruud, also a three-time Grand Slam finalist, stunned ATP Finals contender Rafael Jodar in the first round of the Paris Masters.
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Players who have qualified for the 2026 ATP Finals
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Alexander Zverev
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Carlos Alcaraz
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Ben Shelton
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Daniil Medvedev
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Flavio Cobolli
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Arthur Fils
Carlos Alcaraz’s incredible form to end 2026
Not too long ago, Carlos Alcaraz’s 2026 campaign was in jeopardy: the Spaniard suffered a debilitating wrist injury at the Barcelona Open in April and only returned to competitive play at the end of August.
Since making his return, Alcaraz has compiled an astonishing 17-2 record at ATP Tour events.
His only two defeats have come at the hands of Ben Shelton and Zizou Bergs. Shelton stunned Alcaraz en route to the US Open final, beating the Spaniard 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 in the quarter-finals.
Bergs caused an even bigger upset at the Shanghai Masters, triumphing 7-5, 7-6 in the second round.
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The Spaniard has already won two ATP 500 titles [Japan and Vienna] since making his return to the Tour, and who would bet against the Spaniard adding a third in Paris this week?
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
