Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Rolex Paris Masters quarter-finals on Thursday without stepping onto the court following the withdrawal of his scheduled opponent, Matteo Berrettini. The Italian player pulled out of their third-round clash in the French capital due to persistent arm pain.
Berrettini Sidelined by Injury
Berrettini announced his decision on social media, explaining that the physical issue prevented him from taking part in the match. “Hi all, unfortunately the pain in my arm that I’ve had for a few days won’t allow me to take the court tonight,” Berrettini posted, adding that he will undergo medical evaluations in the coming days to determine the extent of the injury.
Tournament organizers confirmed the walkover in an official statement: “Matteo Berrettini has to withdraw from the Rolex Paris Masters. Wishing you a speedy recovery Matteo. Carlos Alcaraz is qualified for the quarter-finals.” Alcaraz, who is seeking his fifth tour-level title of the season, is aiming to reach the semi-finals on Paris’s indoor hard courts for the first time in six attempts.
Quarter-Final Matchups and ATP Finals Race
Alcaraz will face Taylor Fritz in Friday’s last-eight encounter after the American secured a 6-3 6-4 victory over home favourite Arthur Fils. Fritz must defeat Alcaraz to keep his hopes alive of qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin, where the final spot is currently held by Spaniard Rafael Jodar following his second-round exit.
American Tommy Paul also maintained his ATP Finals qualification chances by overcoming Frenchman Quentin Halys 7-6 (7-3) 6-4. Paul requires at least a spot in Sunday’s final to remain in contention for the top nine positions, with world number two Jannik Sinner ruled out for the remainder of the year.
Paul will next compete against compatriot Ben Shelton, who recovered from a set down to defeat Arthur Rinderknech 3-6 6-4 7-6 (7-5). Meanwhile, French player Luca Van Assche progressed by defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti 7-5 3-6 6-4 to set up a tie against qualifier Ricky Hijikata, who beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry. The remaining quarter-final match features lucky loser Nuno Borges of Portugal against Casper Ruud.
