CARLOS ALCARAZ REACHES PARIS QUARTER-FINALS AFTER BERRETTINI WITHDRAWAL

Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the Paris Masters quarter-finals on Thursday after Matteo Berrettini announced his withdrawal from their last-16 match, citing arm pain. Berrettini said on Instagram that the pain had affected him for several days and prevented him from playing that evening. His withdrawal left Alcaraz with one completed match at the tournament, a straight-sets victory over Alex Michelsen. Alcaraz received a first-round bye as one of the top eight seeds.

Berrettini reached the scheduled meeting with Alcaraz after victories over Brandon Nakashima and Ugo Humbert. Earlier this season, a hip injury ended Berrettini’s French Open quarter-final against Matteo Arnaldi. An abdominal injury also prompted his withdrawal before a scheduled Australian Open first-round match against Alex de Minaur in 2026, with Mackenzie McDonald taking his place. Berrettini’s latest announcement outlined his next steps: “Over the next few days I’ll have all the necessary tests to better understand what’s happening.”

Alcaraz will face Arthur Fils or Taylor Fritz on Friday for a place in the semi-finals as he pursues his first Paris Masters title. Ben Shelton secured another quarter-final place by beating Arthur Rinderknech 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7/5). Shelton will face Tommy Paul, who defeated Quentin Halys 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 in the opening match on centre court. Looking ahead to their first meeting since Paul beat him in Dallas two years ago, Shelton said: “He's in great form right now.”