Carlos Alcaraz confirms participation for Paris Masters and ATP Finals

He had withdrawn from the Swiss Open due to problem on his left foot.

Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed his participation in the upcoming Rolex Paris Masters and the Nitto ATP Finals, signaling his determination to conclude the year on a high note. The Spanish tennis sensation shared his recovery progress on social media and expressed his eagerness to make a strong finish.

Alcaraz's 2023 tennis season has been marked by both highs and setbacks. In the early part of the year, he was forced to miss the 2023 Australian Open due to a hamstring injury. While he showcased his talent by reaching the French Open semifinals, he faced defeat at the hands of Novak Djokovic. However, he bounced back in a thrilling five-set Wimbledon victory against the Serbian star.

Alcaraz also reached the US Open semifinals but was unable to advance further, falling to Daniil Medvedev. A left foot injury and lower back muscle fatigue compelled him to withdraw from the Swiss Indoors Basel tournament. His recent appearance at the Shanghai Masters saw him exit in the fourth round, defeated by Grigor Dimitrov.

As he prepares for the Rolex Paris Masters and the Nitto ATP Finals, Alcaraz's goal is to reclaim the top position in the ATP Pepperstone rankings. Djokovic, who currently holds the top spot after the US Open, maintains a 500-point lead over the Spanish player in the race to Turin. The upcoming tournaments in Paris and Turin offer a maximum of 2,500 points, setting the stage for fierce competition.

Alcaraz boasts a solid 26-6 win/loss record on hard courts, the surface on which the Paris Masters is contested. His rival for the top spot, Djokovic, holds a remarkable 28-1 win/loss record on the same surface. The two world-class players have met four times, with Djokovic emerging victorious in their most recent encounter at the Cincinnati Masters.

The Rolex Paris Masters serves as the final Masters 1000 event of the season, attracting the best in the sport who vie for the prestigious title. It also offers players an opportunity to secure the remaining spots in the season-ending Nitto ATP Finals, intensifying the battle for year-end glory in the ATP rankings.