Big 3 – Djokovic, Nadal, Federer – Assemble For Final Masters In Paris
As of now, all of the Big 3 – Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer – are in a loaded Paris event which begins Monday.
Following an extensive break, Nadal returns to play for the first time in tournament play since a his epic US Open title over Daniil Medvedev. And his first event as a married man!
Carlos Moya discussed Nadal’s rest period.
“It’s strange because Rafa rested for a bit, then returned at the Laver Cup,” Moya told ATPTennis.com. “From there, he went on a trip. There was the wedding. It’s been a bit different from what we’re used to. But he’s managed to rest, which is the important thing. He had a wonderful time on his wedding day and immediately it was back to training, because instead of going on honeymoon vacation after the marriage ceremony, he actually did it before. So two days after the wedding, we were already back in training. It’s been different, but it’s also been a very good past several days.”]
If Nadal can win his first Paris Indoor title, he’ll also finish the year No. 1.
Four-time champion Novak Djokovic is back looking to shake-off a disappointing loss in the last Masters in Shanghai to Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Fresh off his 10th Basel title, 2011 champ Roger Federer is back after a semifinal run a year ago.
Giving chase are two prominent Russians. Daniil Medvedev has won the last two Masters and will try to reach a seventh straight final while Karen Khachanov bids to defend his biggest title.
Projected paths:
Djokovic: 2R Gasquet, 3R Schwartzman, QF Tsitsipas, SF Medvedev/Thiem
Federer: 2R Basilashvili, 3R Monfils, QF Zverev, SF Nadal
Nadal: 2R Mannarino/Ruud, 3R Wawrinka, QF Khachanov/Rublev/Berrettini, SF Federer
Among a number of excellent first rounders: Tiafoe-Fritz, Chardy-Querrey, Coric-Verdasco, Simon-Shapovalov, Rublev-Tsonga, Cilic-Hurkacz.
For many players, the event will mark the end of the 2019 season. For some, they will hope to do well enough to qualify for the upcoming ATP Finals.
Just two spots remain with Zverev and Berrettini in the 7, 8 slots with Bautista Agut not far behind and Monfils and Goffin still in the hunt.
Last year, Khachanov stunned Djokovic for the title.
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