Jannik Sinner Powers into Paris Masters Quarter-Finals as Bublik Upsets Fritz
Jannik Sinner continued his impressive run at the Paris Masters, advancing to the quarter-finals with a convincing 7-5, 6-1 victory over Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo. The Italian star’s performance not only propelled him into the last eight but also positioned him to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking, especially after current top player Carlos Alcaraz’s surprising early exit at the hands of Cameron Norrie.
Sinner, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has yet to drop a set in the tournament, showcasing his dominant form as he chases a fifth title of the season. Reflecting on his match, Sinner noted the importance of the first set, saying, “It was very crucial. Francisco is a very talented player, and it’s difficult to play against him because his level is very high.” After a tight initial set that featured four consecutive breaks, Sinner seized control, winning the second set decisively.
The 24-year-old will face U.S. fifth seed Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals, who secured his spot by defeating Russia’s Andrey Rublev 7-6 (8/6), 6-3. This marks another milestone for Shelton, who recently claimed his first ATP 1000-level title in Toronto and is set to make his debut at the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin.
In another exciting match, Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik stunned U.S. fourth seed Taylor Fritz, winning in straight sets 7-6 (7/5), 6-2. Bublik’s victory sets him up for a quarter-final clash with Australian world No. 6 Alex de Minaur, who easily dispatched former Paris champion Karen Khachanov 6-2, 6-2. Despite his strong performance, Bublik humbly remarked that winning his first Masters title in Paris would require a “miracle.”
Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime also advanced, coming from behind to defeat Germany’s Daniel Altmaier 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. The ninth seed is one spot shy of the last ATP Finals berth, currently held by Lorenzo Musetti, who was eliminated earlier in the tournament. Auger-Aliassime’s path to the finals in Paris could secure him a spot in Turin, provided he can overcome in-form Valentin Vacherot, who recently ousted Britain’s Norrie.
