Zverev vs. Tsitsipas, De Minaur vs. Rune

A number of confrontations with all seeded players are scheduled for the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters on Friday. Alexander Zverev takes on Stefanos Tsitsipas, while Alex de Minaur battles Holger Rune for a place in the last four.

(3) Alexander Zverev vs. (10) Stefanos Tsitsipas

Zverev and Tsitsipas will face each other for the 16th time in their careers when they compete in the quarterfinals of the Rolex Paris Masters on Friday. The head-to-head series stands at 10-5 in favor of Tsitsipas, who won their previous title at the same tournament in Paris last year via a 7-6(2), 6-4 decision in the third round. However, things are not as bad for Zverev as the numbers suggest; he is 4-5 in their last nine meetings, having won just one of their first six meetings.

The current form is hugely in favor of Zverev, who is heading for yet another appearance in the Nitto ATP Finals. The third-ranked German has improved to 63-20 this season with wins in Paris over Tallon Greekpoor and a red-hot Arthur Fils. Tsitsipas is through to the last eight after defeats to Roberto Carballes Baena, Alejandro Tabilo and Francisco Cerundolo – two of the three coming from a set-down. While a lightning fast court isn’t great for either guy, it is better for Zverev. All signs point to the third seed taking care of business on Friday.

Choice: Zverev in 2

(13) Holger Rune vs. (9) Alex de Minaur

The combination of De Minaur in the quarter-finals and Andrei Rublev’s exit in the second round ensures that the world number 10 can qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals. Of course, that does not mean that De Minaur will suddenly lose motivation. There’s still a week to go after Paris (ATP 250s in Belgrade and Metz), and Rublev isn’t the only other player vying for one of the remaining spots. Tsitsipas could overtake De Minaur with a title in Paris and Rune – the Australian’s opponent on Friday – could do the same by lifting the trophy and then at least reaching the Metz final.

A much-needed big week for De Minaur has come at the expense of Mariano Navone, Miomir Kecmanovic and Vienna champion Jack Draper. Rune has advanced by eliminating Matteo Arnaldi, Alexander Bublik and Arthur Cazaux. The thirteenth-seeded Dane won each of the first two head-to-head matches in this match on indoor hard courts, but De Minaur has since won twice in a row (last year in Acapulco and at Queen’s Club). An indoor setting at an event he won in 2022 certainly gives Rune a chance, but it’s tough going up against an inspired De Minaur.

Choice: De Minaur in 3