Alexander Zverev enters the Rolex Paris Masters as the new world No. 1, while seven-time champion Novak Djokovic faces a difficult path to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. The draw, revealed Friday, places Zverev and Djokovic on a collision course for a potential quarter-final meeting, ATP Tour reported.
Zverev debuts as world No. 1 in Paris
Alexander Zverev will begin his first tournament as the top-ranked player in the PIF ATP Rankings. He secured the No. 1 spot on Monday following a run to the quarter-finals at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna, according to the Rolex Paris Masters official site.
The 2024 champion starts his campaign against either Hubert Hurkacz or Lorenzo Musetti. If Zverev advances to the quarter-finals, he is projected to face Novak Djokovic. Zverev is also seeded to meet third seed Ben Shelton in the semi-finals.
Paris Masters projected R16 (via seeds):[1] Zverev vs. [15] Tien[8] De Minaur vs. [10] Djokovic (!)[3] Shelton vs. [16] Cerundolo[7] Tiafoe vs. [12] Paul[4] Medvedev vs. [13] Davidovich[5] Cobolli vs. [9] Jodar[6] Fils vs. [11] Fritz[2] Alcaraz vs. [14] Nakashima
Did you know? Carlos Alcaraz has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals at the Paris Masters, despite his success at other major events.
Djokovic faces a ‘nightmarish’ path to Turin
Novak Djokovic is currently 11th in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin. Yahoo Sports describes his draw as a “nightmare,” noting that the 39-year-old must achieve “something exceptional” to qualify for the season-ending championships after an early exit from the Basel Open.
Djokovic opens against Valentin Vacherot, who defeated him during Vacherot’s Masters 1000 title run in Shanghai last year. To reach the semi-finals, Djokovic may have to defeat Alex de Minaur or Andrey Rublev in the third round and then Zverev in the quarter-finals.
Yahoo Sports reports that Djokovic needs at least a semi-final finish to stay in contention, provided rivals like Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur do not gain significant points. If he fails to qualify in Paris, his only remaining option would be the ATP 250 event in Stockholm.
The draw for the final Masters 1000 event of the season revealed its verdict this Friday!Everything there is to know about this blockbuster draw β‘οΈ https://t.co/q25CowRsc3#RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/ralHPZ4Dpf
Turin qualification stakes for top seeds
Several players are fighting for the final four spots in the Nitto ATP Finals. Tennis Now identifies Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils, Frances Tiafoe, Rafael Jodar, and Alex de Minaur as the primary contenders still chasing points.
| Player | Turin Race Rank | Projected Path/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Flavio Cobolli | 6th | Could face Rafael Jodar in 3rd round |
| Frances Tiafoe | 8th | Potential 3rd round match vs Tommy Paul |
| Rafael Jodar | 9th | Currently holds final qualification spot |
| Novak Djokovic | 11th | Must reach semi-finals to challenge Jodar |
Rafael Jodar is effectively in the final qualification spot because Jannik Sinner is out for the remainder of the season, ATP Tour reported.
π ππ―ππ«ππ― ππππ¨π¦ππ¬ π°π¨π«π₯π ππ¨. π π¨π§ ππ¨π§πππ²… ππ‘π πππ² πππ«π’π¬ π¬πππ«ππ¬.4 tickets left for Turin, 1 week to go. Djokovic needs at least a semi. Fils, in the race, retired hurt today, 3 days before his home Masters. And Paris says goodbye toβ¦ pic.twitter.com/sLoOMp7lkJ
British players prepare for Davis Cup Finals
The LTA reports that British players Cameron Norrie and Arthur Fery are using the event to prepare for the Davis Cup Finals. Norrie enters following a victory over the world No. 1, making him the first Brit to do so since Dan Evans defeated Novak Djokovic in 2021.
The Rolex Paris Masters official site notes a strong French presence in the 2026 draw, including Arthur Fils, Ugo Humbert, and Titouan Droguet.
The draw is set. Drop your best prediction below ‡οΈ#RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/tAXkLNzqAB
Pro Tip: Fans can watch 11 qualifying matches in full via the official Rolex Paris Masters YouTube channel on October 31 and November 1.
Main-draw competition runs from November 2 to 8
Main-draw competition runs from November 2 to November 8. Tickets remain available through the tournament’s official ticketing website, per the Rolex Paris Masters.
Common questions about the Paris Masters draw
Who is the current world No. 1 entering the tournament?
Alexander Zverev became world No. 1 on Monday after his performance at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna.
What must Novak Djokovic achieve to qualify for the ATP Finals?
According to Yahoo Sports, Djokovic needs at least a semi-final finish in Paris, though his qualification also depends on the performance of rivals like Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz.
Novak Djokovic's draw in Paris:R1: VacherotR2: DarderiR3: De Minaur or RublevQF: ZverevHe will need to win all these matches to have any chance to make Turin.At 39yo and with no days off, that would be one of the most impressive achievements of his career.
Which British players are competing in the singles draw?
Cameron Norrie and Arthur Fery are both competing as they prepare for the Davis Cup Finals, the LTA reported.
Novak Djokovic holds a 50-9 record at the Paris Masters.
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