2024 Paris Masters: Men’s favorites

As the tennis season nears its end, the Paris Masters remains the last ATP 1000 event of the year. The indoor tournament kicks off on October 26th. The biggest setback for the organizers is the news that Novak Djokovic is set to miss the event. Djokovic holds a record seven Paris titles, including four in the last five years. Reports also suggest he might not participate in the ATP Finals, or the Davis Cup scheduled for next month. Let’s take a look at the favorites to clinch the Paris Masters title.

Jannik Sinner

With three Masters titles already this year, Jannik Sinner will be eager to add another to his trophy cabinet. The 23-year-old Italian has captured the Miami, Shanghai, and Cincinnati Masters titles, and over the past two months, he’s been incredibly difficult to beat. This is why he’s won three of the four events he’s participated in, including the elusive US Open Grand Slam. The only time he fell short was in the China Open final, where he was outclassed by Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling match. There’s no doubt Sinner has spent more weeks at the top of the men’s game this year. With Djokovic absent, Sinner knows his chances to clinch the title are higher, as his biggest rival won’t be in his way. It’s also an opportunity to close out the year in spectacular fashion. A win at the Riyadh Cup, an exhibition event, will further motivate him heading into Paris.

Carlos Alcaraz

A fearless competitor, Carlos Alcaraz returns to the French capital hoping to replicate his June success. The Spaniard captured the French Open title earlier this year with a dominating display and now enters Paris as one of the favorites. In the second half of the year, the 21-year-old has redeemed himself, with a victory at the China Open, where he defeated Jannik Sinner, proving he remains one of the most dangerous players on tour. Alcaraz already has one Masters title this year (Indian Wells), where he beat Daniil Medvedev in the final. However, in his last Masters event, he underperformed, bowing out in the China quarterfinals to Tomáš Macháč. He’ll want to put that behind him and bring his best to Paris.

Daniil Medvedev

Despite being one of the most consistent performers this year, Daniil Medvedev is still searching for a big title. Has he been unlucky? In the Australian Open final, he won the first set before Jannik Sinner came back to win in a breathtaking five-set marathon. The same thing happened during the US Open final last month, where Sinner once again got the better of him. The 28-year-old Russian, however, hasn’t thrown in the towel and is determined to end the year on a high note. Paris presents that opportunity. Medvedev has already reached one Masters final this year at Indian Wells, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz. Despite his recent misfortunes, he’s one player you can never write off.

Alexander Zverev

In preparation for the Paris Masters, Alexander Zverev accepted an invitation to play in the Vienna Open. For Zverev, the goal is to build much-needed momentum ahead of facing the big names in Paris. In his last Masters event, Shanghai, he suffered a disappointing straight-set loss to David Goffin in the round of 64. The 28-year-old has struggled with consistency throughout the year. His best performance in ATP 1000 events came at the Italian Open, where he successfully defended his title by beating Nicolás Jarry in the final. To win in Paris, Zverev must polish his game, and the Vienna Open provides the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Taylor Fritz

The 27-year-old American has had a breakout year, solidifying himself as one of the sport’s future stars. Despite coming close to winning the US Open, where he lost to Jannik Sinner in the final, Fritz has had a solid and exciting season. In Masters tournaments, he’s already reached two semifinals (Madrid and Shanghai) and one quarterfinal. He has been a shining light for American tennis, bringing hope of a return to the sport’s glory days in the U.S. Heading into Paris, Fritz is considered a serious threat to his opponents. With nothing to lose, he’ll be looking to continue his impressive performances this season.