Alcaraz into Paris Masters quarters after Berrettini withdraws

Paris: Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters on Thursday after his opponent, Matteo Berrettini, withdrew due to an elbow injury. Alcaraz, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, faced Berrettini in the last 16 but the match did not take place as Berrettini could not participate. Alcaraz, entering the tournament as a top-eight seed, had already won his opening match against Alex Michelsen in straight sets.

He will face American Taylor Fritz on Friday, a victory which would secure him a spot in the semi-finals. Berrettini, 30, has a history of injuries and had to withdraw earlier this season from the French Open quarter-final against Matteo Arnaldi due to a hip issue. Ben Shelton, the American third seed, also progressed, defeating Arthur Rinderknech from France in a third-set tie-break.

He will next play Tommy Paul, who beat Quentin Halys from France in the day's opening match. Other notable matches included Rinky Hijikata's win over Novak Djokovic's 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, Lorenzo Musetti's loss to Luca Van Assche, and Casper Ruud's victory over Jan-Lennard Struff.