Surprised in Paris, Carlos Alcaraz exits in the second round and paves the way for Jannik Sinner who can regain the top spot. The Spaniard no.1 in the world, in his probably worst version of 2025, was beaten by the British Cameron Norrie in three sets with scores of 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 after two hours and twenty minutes of play: an incredible setback and an assist for the South Tyrolean expected on his debut at the Parisian Masters 1000.
The first challenge for Sinner, who landed in the Ville Lumiere after his success at the ATP in Vienna, is against the 26-year-old Belgian Zizou Bergs. With Alcaraz out of the game, if Sinner were to get to the end and win the 1000 at the Defense Arena he would return to number 1 before the Finals. And to think that Sinner himself, on the eve of his debut match, after having stopped having any second thoughts about Davis, had postponed everything to 2026 regarding the return to the top of the rankings. «It’s impossible and, to be honest, it’s something I’m not thinking about: it will be the goal of next season. Now I just want to finish this one in the best possible way” said the South Tyrolean champion in the pre-match press conference. «December will be a very important month for me because I know that I will be able to use it to work a lot and make some changes – explains the Italian – I know well how crucial it will be in many areas of my game, but I am at the same time calm and happy for what I have managed to do this year». Davis certainly won’t be playing in Bologna: «The decision has been made – the Italian cuts short – And I already said everything on this topic a few days ago».
The end of the year is also a time for taking stock. «Wimbledon is the tournament where we wanted to push ourselves as far as possible and where I couldn’t hope to obtain a better result – continues the Italian champion – But the season was incredible. I’ve played four Slam finals, lots of good matches and it’s not over yet.” The goal is the ATP Finals: «There is a tournament that I still look forward to and it is the one in Turin – explains Sinner – last year I had an excellent run and this year we are preparing in the best possible way. But first there is this tournament here, which I didn’t play last year and where I never managed to do well. Let’s hope we can change a couple of things and see how it goes.”
Jannik says he feels good, even if he feels tired: «I think it’s normal, after playing five consecutive days and a very physical final, it can happen – concludes Sinner – My body is fine though, a little tired because I haven’t had time to fully recover but I’m happy and I’m recovering day after day. I’m very focused and we hope now to be able to play great tennis.” Meanwhile, Flavio Cobolli’s run comes to a halt as he surrenders to Ben Shelton for the third time in 2025: the American, no.7 in the world ranking, won in two sets 7-6(4) 6-3. But the surprise is all about the exit of the king of tennis: Alcaraz says goodbye to Paris. Now the Finals to close the year still in control.