2024 Paris Masters Day 3: Fritz v Draper; Alcaraz Wins, Turin Hopefuls Ruud, Rublev Out

Carlos Alcaraz opened his final Masters event easing past the Chilean big man Nicolas Jarry 7-5, 6-1 in the second round in Paris.

Alcaraz, who has never made the Paris semifinals, won the French Open earlier in the season meaning the Spaniard has won his last eight in the City of Lights.

“I think I played really good tennis, but at the end it was complicated,” said Alcaraz. “I’m just really happy to get through the opening set, it was really important for me to come into the second with more confidence.

“It’s been two years since I have won a match here in Paris Bercy, so every time that I keep going is a gift for me.”

Casper Ruud, who is trying to secure a Turin berth, was dumped by Jordan Thompson and Andrey Rublev fell flat going down to Francisco Cerundolo in two breakers.

The French had a good day. Ben Shelton knocked out Coretin Moutet but Arthur Fils advanced as did new star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard who upset Frances Tiafoe cracking 28 aces and 13 doubles in a 6-7(5), 7-6(4), 6-3 win over the American.

“The way I play tennis is risky,” the 21-year-old said. “Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But it will never change my way of thinking. It’s not because the score will be different that I will take less risks. This is where I won’t do more double faults.

“I did 13 double faults, okay. We’re not in Basel. The court surface is completely different. The balls were completely different. I didn’t have a lot of preparation. I never played on this surface. I hardly prepared this morning. Last year I didn’t get used to the surface.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas was also a winner and Holger Rune was victorious over Matteo Arnaldi.

On Wednesday, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev are on court and Mpetshi Perricard takes on Karen Khachanov.

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