Rafael Nadal said he had enjoyed a "positive tournament" at the Paris Masters as he gears up for his latest tilt at a first ATP Tour Finals triumph, despite losing to Alexander Zverev on Saturday.

The top seed slumped to a 6-4, 7-5 loss to Zverev in the semi-finals at Bercy Arena, but said his run this week would help him at the season-ending event in London, which starts on November 15.

"It has been a positive tournament for me. Of course not happy about the loss, but that's part of the game," said Nadal, who has also never won the Paris Masters.

"I spent hours on court. Of course I wanted to win the tournament, but it's always difficult.

"But I had the right attitude during the whole event, I think, fighting in every match.

"That gave me the chance to play four matches that I think will be helpful for London. I need to adjust a couple of things, but I am doing well on all the important things."

The Spaniard, playing for the first time since winning a record-extending 13th French Open title across Paris at Roland Garros last month, was never at his best on the indoor hard courts.

He claimed his 1,000th career win with a comeback victory over Feliciano Lopez in the second round and also had to fight back from a set down to beat Pablo Carreno Busta in the quarter-finals.

Nadal has only won one of his 86 ATP titles on indoor hard courts and that success came in Madrid over 15 years ago.

"I need to find a better feeling with the backhand on this surface, because when I hit the ball sometimes I feel that I can miss it," he admitted.

"To compete at this highest level, sometimes it's a little bit tougher."

Rafael Nadal said he had enjoyed a "positive tournament" at the Paris Masters as he gears up for his latest tilt at a first ATP Tour Finals triumph, despite losing to Alexander Zverev on Saturday.

Rafael Nadal said he had enjoyed a "positive tournament" at the Paris Masters as he gears up for his latest tilt at a first ATP Tour Finals triumph, despite losing to Alexander Zverev on Saturday. The top seed slumped to a 6-4, 7-5 loss to Zverev in the semi-finals at Bercy Arena, but said his run this week would help him at the season-ending event in London, which starts on November 15. "It has been a positive tournament for me. Of course not happy about the loss, but that's part of the game," said Nadal, who has also never won the Paris Masters. "I spent hours on court. Of course I wanted to win the tournament, but it's always difficult. "But I had the right attitude during the whole event, I think, fighting in every match. "That gave me the chance to play four matches that I think will be helpful for London. I need to adjust a couple of things, but I am doing well on all the important things." The Spaniard, playing for the first time since winning a record-extending 13th French Open title across Paris at Roland Garros last month, was never at his best on the indoor hard courts. He claimed his 1,000th career win with a comeback victory over Feliciano Lopez in the second round and also had to fight back from a set down to beat Pablo Carreno Busta in the quarter-finals. Nadal has only won one of his 86 ATP titles on indoor hard courts and that success came in Madrid over 15 years ago. "I need to find a better feeling with the backhand on this surface, because when I hit the ball sometimes I feel that I can miss it," he admitted. "To compete at this highest level, sometimes it's a little bit tougher."

Nadal 'positive' ahead of ATP Finals despite Zverev loss

Indian ace Rohan Bopanna and Austria's Oliver Marach have entered the men’s doubles quarterfinals of the Paris Masters tennis tournament after stunning ninth seeds Fabrice Martin and Jean-Julien Rojer in a hard-fought second-round encounter.&nbsp;

The unseeded duo of Bopanna and Marach came from behind to beat Martin and Rojer 3-6 6-4 10-8 in the round of 16 ties Wednesday night.

The Indo-Austrian pair will now face the eighth seed pairing of Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Jurgen Melzer in the quarterfinals on Friday. Bopanna and Marach had defeated the Serbian pair of Dusan Lajovic and Nikola Cacic 7-5, 7-6 to move into the round of 16.

Earlier, Rafael Nadal became the fourth player in the Open Era to register 1000 wins on tour level after beating Australian Jordan Thompson 6-1 7-6(3) on Thursday to reach the Paris Masters quarter-finals.

Nadal is looking forward to winning his maiden Paris-Bercy title and broke Thompson's serve twice to claim the opening set convincingly.&nbsp;

World No. 2 was trailing 5-6 in the second, but the Spaniard came from behind to beat the Aussie and even win a 26-shot rally.&nbsp;

"He started to serve well in the second set. I missed a couple of returns I shouldn't have," Nadal said. "I suffered until the end but I found a way to win the tiebreak."

Nadal qualified for quarter-finals in all eight appearances at the indoor tournament and will take on fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.

Indian ace Rohan Bopanna and Austria's Oliver Marach have entered the men’s doubles quarterfinals of the Paris Masters tennis tournament after stunning ninth seeds Fabrice Martin and Jean-Julien Rojer in a hard-fought second-round encounter.

Indian ace Rohan Bopanna and Austria's Oliver Marach have entered the men’s doubles quarterfinals of the Paris Masters tennis tournament after stunning ninth seeds Fabrice Martin and Jean-Julien Rojer in a hard-fought second-round encounter. The unseeded duo of Bopanna and Marach came from behind to beat Martin and Rojer 3-6 6-4 10-8 in the round of 16 ties Wednesday night. The Indo-Austrian pair will now face the eighth seed pairing of Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Jurgen Melzer in the quarterfinals on Friday. Bopanna and Marach had defeated the Serbian pair of Dusan Lajovic and Nikola Cacic 7-5, 7-6 to move into the round of 16. Earlier, Rafael Nadal became the fourth player in the Open Era to register 1000 wins on tour level after beating Australian Jordan Thompson 6-1 7-6(3) on Thursday to reach the Paris Masters quarter-finals. Nadal is looking forward to winning his maiden Paris-Bercy title and broke Thompson's serve twice to claim the opening set convincingly. World No. 2 was trailing 5-6 in the second, but the Spaniard came from behind to beat the Aussie and even win a 26-shot rally. "He started to serve well in the second set. I missed a couple of returns I shouldn't have," Nadal said. "I suffered until the end but I found a way to win the tiebreak." Nadal qualified for quarter-finals in all eight appearances at the indoor tournament and will take on fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.

Paris Master: Bopanna and Marach stun ninth seeds Fabrice and Jean-Julien to enter quarterfinals

Rafael Nadal said he was proud of a "great achievement" after securing the 1,000th Tour-level victory of his illustrious career on Wednesday, becoming the fourth man to reach that mark with a comeback win over Feliciano Lopez in the Paris Masters second round.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion, back in the French capital less than a month after winning his 13th Roland Garros title, edged out his fellow Spaniard 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.

"I am proud about a lot of things, but I faced some challenges in my career in terms of body injuries," said Nadal.

"But I always had the passion to keep going and the humility to keep going when things are going in a way you don't expect.

"It's a great achievement for me."

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Nadal, whose first match win on the ATP Tour came in April 2002 when he was just 15, is fourth on the all-time list, with Jimmy Connors leading the way on 1,274 victories, 32 more than second-placed Roger Federer.

"One negative thing about getting to 1,000 -- is that you're very old as it means you have to have had a very long career," added Nadal.

"But I'm very happy."

Ivan Lendl also passed the 1,000-win barrier.

Nadal was given a special presentation to celebrate his achievement after the match in a near-empty Bercy Arena, with the event being played behind closed doors after France entered its second coronavirus lockdown last week.

The 34-year-old Nadal, bidding for a first Paris Masters title, will face Jordan Thompson in the third round after the Australian beat Croatia's Borna Coric 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Taking the trophy in Paris this week would see Nadal equal Novak Djokovic's record of 36 Masters titles.

He struggled to find his rhythm for much of the match as 39-year-old Lopez served excellently, saving the first six break points he faced, but Nadal stepped it up in the second-set tie-break.

The top seed grabbed the crucial break in the first game of the decider and then eased to victory after saving two break points himself in the next game.

"It was a very tough match," said Nadal. "I started in the worst way possible with a break. Against him, that's difficult because you're under pressure for the whole match."

The world number two is playing the tournament for the eighth time in his career, but he pulled out midway through his last two appearances due to injury.

His best run at Bercy was when he lost in the 2007 final to Argentinian David Nalbandian.

Rafael Nadal said he was proud of a "great achievement" after securing the 1,000th Tour-level victory of his illustrious career on Wednesday, becoming the fourth man to reach that mark with a comeback win over Feliciano Lopez in the Paris Masters second round.

Rafael Nadal said he was proud of a "great achievement" after securing the 1,000th Tour-level victory of his illustrious career on Wednesday, becoming the fourth man to reach that mark with a comeback win over Feliciano Lopez in the Paris Masters second round. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, back in the French capital less than a month after winning his 13th Roland Garros title, edged out his fellow Spaniard 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. "I am proud about a lot of things, but I faced some challenges in my career in terms of body injuries," said Nadal. "But I always had the passion to keep going and the humility to keep going when things are going in a way you don't expect. "It's a great achievement for me." ALSO READ: Zverev again says domestic assault allegations 'not true' Nadal, whose first match win on the ATP Tour came in April 2002 when he was just 15, is fourth on the all-time list, with Jimmy Connors leading the way on 1,274 victories, 32 more than second-placed Roger Federer. "One negative thing about getting to 1,000 -- is that you're very old as it means you have to have had a very long career," added Nadal. "But I'm very happy." Ivan Lendl also passed the 1,000-win barrier. Nadal was given a special presentation to celebrate his achievement after the match in a near-empty Bercy Arena, with the event being played behind closed doors after France entered its second coronavirus lockdown last week. The 34-year-old Nadal, bidding for a first Paris Masters title, will face Jordan Thompson in the third round after the Australian beat Croatia's Borna Coric 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. Taking the trophy in Paris this week would see Nadal equal Novak Djokovic's record of 36 Masters titles. He struggled to find his rhythm for much of the match as 39-year-old Lopez served excellently, saving the first six break points he faced, but Nadal stepped it up in the second-set tie-break. The top seed grabbed the crucial break in the first game of the decider and then eased to victory after saving two break points himself in the next game. "It was a very tough match," said Nadal. "I started in the worst way possible with a break. Against him, that's difficult because you're under pressure for the whole match." The world number two is playing the tournament for the eighth time in his career, but he pulled out midway through his last two appearances due to injury. His best run at Bercy was when he lost in the 2007 final to Argentinian David Nalbandian.

Rafael Nadal joins elite list after completing 1000 career wins

Novak Djokovic said on Wednesday that he will not defend his Paris Masters title because he cannot gain any ranking points if he plays.&nbsp;

The world number one told Serbian daily Sportski Zurnal that due to the revised ranking system created amid the coronavirus pandemic he could not win any additional ranking points at next month's ATP event in the French capital.

Djokovic said his main priority is to remain first in the rankings until at least March 8 next year to break Roger Federer's record for most weeks in the ATP's top spot.

Rankings are calculated by the players' best results between March 2019 and December this year.&nbsp;

Djokovic, collected 1,000 points by wining in Paris last year and so cannot add to his total by playing there.

"I won't play the Masters in Paris as I can't win new points there. But I will go to Vienna and London", Djokovic said.

"I didn't play in Vienna last year and I can win up to 500 points there. There are lot of points to be won in London as well."

Djokovic, 33, who lost the French Open final to Rafael Nadal earlier this month is training in Belgrade.

He said he has to keep an eye on Nadal and Dominic Thiem, the two men closest to him in the rankings.

"It depends also on Nadal and Thiem's score until the end of this year, and also on following Australian Open, but I am in a good position," Djokovic said.

Djokovic is almost 2,000 points ahead of second best Nadal, but the Spaniard demolished the 17-time Grand Slam winner aside 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 in the Roland Garros final.

Novak Djokovic said on Wednesday that he will not defend his Paris Masters title because he cannot gain any ranking points if he plays. The world number one told Serbian daily Sportski Zurnal that due to the revised ranking system created amid the coronavirus pandemic he could not win any additional ranking points at next month's ATP event in the French capital.

Novak Djokovic said on Wednesday that he will not defend his Paris Masters title because he cannot gain any ranking points if he plays. The world number one told Serbian daily Sportski Zurnal that due to the revised ranking system created amid the coronavirus pandemic he could not win any additional ranking points at next month's ATP event in the French capital. Djokovic said his main priority is to remain first in the rankings until at least March 8 next year to break Roger Federer's record for most weeks in the ATP's top spot. Rankings are calculated by the players' best results between March 2019 and December this year. Djokovic, collected 1,000 points by wining in Paris last year and so cannot add to his total by playing there. "I won't play the Masters in Paris as I can't win new points there. But I will go to Vienna and London", Djokovic said. "I didn't play in Vienna last year and I can win up to 500 points there. There are lot of points to be won in London as well." Djokovic, 33, who lost the French Open final to Rafael Nadal earlier this month is training in Belgrade. He said he has to keep an eye on Nadal and Dominic Thiem, the two men closest to him in the rankings. "It depends also on Nadal and Thiem's score until the end of this year, and also on following Australian Open, but I am in a good position," Djokovic said. Djokovic is almost 2,000 points ahead of second best Nadal, but the Spaniard demolished the 17-time Grand Slam winner aside 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 in the Roland Garros final.

Djokovic pulls out of Paris Masters, eyes Vienna and London

If Novak Djokovic is to claim the year-end number ranking for a record-equalling sixth time he will have to do it the hard way at the ATP Finals next week in London.

The Serb was knocked off<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-once-again-claims-no-1-spot-in-rankings-novak-djokovic-slips-259888"> top spot by Rafael Nadal</a> on Monday despite winning the Paris Masters last week and will need a strong finish alongside the River Thames to snatch it back.

Only Pete Sampras has finished a year on top six times and Djokovic's hopes of emulating the American are not in his own hands with Nadal leading by 640 points heading to the climax.

Nadal, 33, is bidding to become the ATP's oldest year-end number but with 200 points awarded for round-robin wins, 400 for a semi-final win and 500 for winning the final the door is still ajar for Djokovic to deny him.

Spaniard Nadal has often struggled physically in London and pulled out of his Paris Masters semi-final against Denis Shapovalov last week citing an abdominal issue when victory would have put him virtually out of reach.

He intends to play in London having been drawn in a round-robin group alongside 2018 ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev and debutants Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

If Nadal fails to win a round-robin match, Djokovic would still need to win two group matches and reach the final to dislodge him. Djokovic will also finish the year as number one by winning the title, providing Nadal does not reach the semis.

Djokovic faces a tough group though, with six-time champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-brushes-de-minaur-aside-to-claim-record-10th-basel-title-258408">Roger Federer</a>, French Open runner-up Dominic Thiem and Italian Matteo Berrettini, the third newcomer in this year's event, who he will play in Sunday's opening singles.

"It's an extremely difficult task considering who my opponents are going to be," Australian Open and Wimbledon champion Djokovic said.

"As a consequence, if I manage to get the year-end number one, that would be fantastic. It is a motivation and a goal every day."

Federer, ranked third, will be a particularly dangerous obstacle for Djokovic even if he has not added to his ATP Finals title haul since winning in 2011.

The Swiss, who has a record 57 match wins at the event, bowed out to Zverev in the semi-finals last year but continues to defy the passing years at the age of 38.

Last month he claimed the Swiss indoor title without dropping a set. It was his fourth title in 2019, during which he lost an epic Wimbledon final to Djokovic having held match points.

The penultimate ATP Finals in London, before it moves to Turin, has a fresh look this year.

Russian counter-puncher Medvedev has enjoyed an incredible breakthrough year and of the three debutants he looks the most likely to challenge for the title.

He leads the charts in terms of match wins (59) and finals reached (9) and against Nadal in a sensational US&nbsp;Open final proved he has the personality to go toe-to-toe with the giants.

For the fourth successive year there are eight different nations represented in the singles while half of the singles field are aged 23 or under. The new wave is arriving, but Djokovic still has unfinished business.

Colombian duo Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah will lead the doubles event having already clinched the year-end number one ranking and will be seeking a London double after winning this year's Wimbledon crown.

If Novak Djokovic is to claim the year-end number ranking for a record-equalling sixth time he will have to do it the hard way at the ATP Finals next week in London.

If Novak Djokovic is to claim the year-end number ranking for a record-equalling sixth time he will have to do it the hard way at the ATP Finals next week in London. The Serb was knocked off top spot by Rafael Nadal on Monday despite winning the Paris Masters last week and will need a strong finish alongside the River Thames to snatch it back. Only Pete Sampras has finished a year on top six times and Djokovic's hopes of emulating the American are not in his own hands with Nadal leading by 640 points heading to the climax. Nadal, 33, is bidding to become the ATP's oldest year-end number but with 200 points awarded for round-robin wins, 400 for a semi-final win and 500 for winning the final the door is still ajar for Djokovic to deny him. Spaniard Nadal has often struggled physically in London and pulled out of his Paris Masters semi-final against Denis Shapovalov last week citing an abdominal issue when victory would have put him virtually out of reach. He intends to play in London having been drawn in a round-robin group alongside 2018 ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev and debutants Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. If Nadal fails to win a round-robin match, Djokovic would still need to win two group matches and reach the final to dislodge him. Djokovic will also finish the year as number one by winning the title, providing Nadal does not reach the semis. Djokovic faces a tough group though, with six-time champion Roger Federer, French Open runner-up Dominic Thiem and Italian Matteo Berrettini, the third newcomer in this year's event, who he will play in Sunday's opening singles. "It's an extremely difficult task considering who my opponents are going to be," Australian Open and Wimbledon champion Djokovic said. "As a consequence, if I manage to get the year-end number one, that would be fantastic. It is a motivation and a goal every day." Federer, ranked third, will be a particularly dangerous obstacle for Djokovic even if he has not added to his ATP Finals title haul since winning in 2011. The Swiss, who has a record 57 match wins at the event, bowed out to Zverev in the semi-finals last year but continues to defy the passing years at the age of 38. Last month he claimed the Swiss indoor title without dropping a set. It was his fourth title in 2019, during which he lost an epic Wimbledon final to Djokovic having held match points. The penultimate ATP Finals in London, before it moves to Turin, has a fresh look this year. Russian counter-puncher Medvedev has enjoyed an incredible breakthrough year and of the three debutants he looks the most likely to challenge for the title. He leads the charts in terms of match wins (59) and finals reached (9) and against Nadal in a sensational US Open final proved he has the personality to go toe-to-toe with the giants. For the fourth successive year there are eight different nations represented in the singles while half of the singles field are aged 23 or under. The new wave is arriving, but Djokovic still has unfinished business. Colombian duo Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah will lead the doubles event having already clinched the year-end number one ranking and will be seeking a London double after winning this year's Wimbledon crown.

Tennis: Djokovic has world number one Nadal in his sights at London finale

Rafael Nadal continued his quest for a maiden <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-medvedevs-winning-run-ends-in-defeat-by-chardy-258739">Paris Masters</a> title with a no-nonsense 6-4 6-4 victory against old foe Stan Wawrinka to reach the quarter-finals on Thursday.

The Spaniard, who will take over as world number one from Novak Djokovic on Monday, converted two of three break chances to claim his 19th win in 22 encounters against the Swiss.

The 19-time grand slam champion will next face local favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who beat German Jan-Lennard Struff 2-6 6-4 7-6(6), making the most of his wildcard status in Paris.

"I think my game worked well. On the return today, for me, it was a little bit difficult," said second seed Nadal, who called a medical timeout because of a minor stomach bug.

"I think I didn't return as well as I was doing in previous days. But it's true that Stan always has a good serve, and difficult to read."

The result ended Wawrinka's hopes of qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals, leaving only Frenchman Gael Monfils and Italian Matteo Berrettini with a chance to grab the last of eight tickets for the November&nbsp;10-17 showdown.

Monfils, who needs to reach the last four to leapfrog Berrettini in the race to London after the Italian was eliminated in the second round at Bercy, beat Moldova's Radu Albot 4-6 6-4 6-1.

The Frenchman was a break down in the second set before he started to play more freely and breezed through the decider to set up a clash with Canadian Denis Shapovalov.

Top seed Djokovic had to dig deep in the opening set as he reached the quarter-finals with a 7-6(7) 6-1 win against Britain's Kyle Edmund.

The 16-time grand slam winner was kept on his toes before racing to victory to set up a meeting with Greek seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas who beat Australian Alex De Minaur 6-3 6-4.

Serbian Djokovic bagged the first set at the seventh opportunity and he did not look back after breaking for 2-1 in the second with a booming forehand winner.

Fifth seed Dominic Thiem was beaten 6-3 6-2 by Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who will play in his first quarter-final at a Masters event since Canada 2018.

Dimitrov, who had been struggling since reaching the US&nbsp;Open semi-finals, played brilliantly throughout, taking advantage of Thiem's fading condition after the Austrian won the title in Vienna last Sunday.

Dimitrov next takes on Chile's Cristian Garin, who beat local favourite Jeremy Chardy 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(6).

Sixth-seed German Alexander Zverev also went as he lost 6-2 5-7 6-2 to Shapovalov.

Rafael Nadal continued his quest for a maiden Paris Masters title with a no-nonsense 6-4 6-4 victory against old foe Stan Wawrinka to reach the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Rafael Nadal continued his quest for a maiden Paris Masters title with a no-nonsense 6-4 6-4 victory against old foe Stan Wawrinka to reach the quarter-finals on Thursday. The Spaniard, who will take over as world number one from Novak Djokovic on Monday, converted two of three break chances to claim his 19th win in 22 encounters against the Swiss. The 19-time grand slam champion will next face local favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who beat German Jan-Lennard Struff 2-6 6-4 7-6(6), making the most of his wildcard status in Paris. "I think my game worked well. On the return today, for me, it was a little bit difficult," said second seed Nadal, who called a medical timeout because of a minor stomach bug. "I think I didn't return as well as I was doing in previous days. But it's true that Stan always has a good serve, and difficult to read." The result ended Wawrinka's hopes of qualifying for the season-ending ATP Finals, leaving only Frenchman Gael Monfils and Italian Matteo Berrettini with a chance to grab the last of eight tickets for the November 10-17 showdown. Monfils, who needs to reach the last four to leapfrog Berrettini in the race to London after the Italian was eliminated in the second round at Bercy, beat Moldova's Radu Albot 4-6 6-4 6-1. The Frenchman was a break down in the second set before he started to play more freely and breezed through the decider to set up a clash with Canadian Denis Shapovalov. Top seed Djokovic had to dig deep in the opening set as he reached the quarter-finals with a 7-6(7) 6-1 win against Britain's Kyle Edmund. The 16-time grand slam winner was kept on his toes before racing to victory to set up a meeting with Greek seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas who beat Australian Alex De Minaur 6-3 6-4. Serbian Djokovic bagged the first set at the seventh opportunity and he did not look back after breaking for 2-1 in the second with a booming forehand winner. Fifth seed Dominic Thiem was beaten 6-3 6-2 by Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who will play in his first quarter-final at a Masters event since Canada 2018. Dimitrov, who had been struggling since reaching the US Open semi-finals, played brilliantly throughout, taking advantage of Thiem's fading condition after the Austrian won the title in Vienna last Sunday. Dimitrov next takes on Chile's Cristian Garin, who beat local favourite Jeremy Chardy 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(6). Sixth-seed German Alexander Zverev also went as he lost 6-2 5-7 6-2 to Shapovalov.

Paris Masters: Nadal marches on in Paris, Djokovic also reaches quarters

Fourth seed Daniil Medvedev suffered a shock defeat by home favourite Jeremy Chardy on a bad day for Russians at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-cilic-raonic-make-winning-starts-at-paris-masters-federer-withdraws-258577">Paris Masters</a> on Tuesday but Alexander Zverev boosted his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals.

Medvedev, who will make his debut at the ATP Finals in London next month after a barnstorming season, lost for the first time since the US&nbsp;Open final, going down 4-6 6-2 6-4.

Earlier defending champion Karen Khachanov was bundled out by Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff, losing 7-6(5) 3-6 7-5.

The 29-year-old Struff finished off the eighth seed with a superb smash from the baseline. Defeat ruled Khachanov out of the running for the ATP Finals.

Medvedev was on a nine-match winning run taking in St Petersburg and Shanghai where he took his tally of titles this season to four, but he came up against an inspired Chardy.

The Russian, who had reached six successive finals, looked in control when he took the first set but he ultimately paid for failing to convert 14 of the 15 break points he carved out.

Chardy even saved one as he served for the match in the decider, going on to reach the third round at the Paris event for the first time at the 10th attempt.

Chardy will face Chile's Cristian Garin or 2016 finalist John Isner of the US&nbsp;in the next round.

Struff chiselled out a tough first set with a backhand winner at 5-5 in the tiebreak before serving an ace.

Khachanov roared back to win 12 of the first 17 points of the second set on his way to levelling.

Struff let slip a 3-1 lead in the decider but broke again when Khachanov served at 5-6.

Zverev, who won last season's ATP Finals and is bidding to take one of the remaining two slots for this year's event with a strong showing in Paris, needed less than an hour to beat Spain's Fernando Verdasco 6-1 6-3.

The German, who is seventh in the Race to London standings, will face Denis Shapovalov or Fabio Fognini in the next round.

Top seed Novak Djokovic begins with a second-round clash against French lucky loser Corentin Moutet.

Second seed Rafa Nadal, playing his first tournament since getting married this month, also begins against a Frenchman in wildcard Adrian Mannarino.

Fourth seed Daniil Medvedev suffered a shock defeat by home favourite Jeremy Chardy on a bad day for Russians at the Paris Masters on Tuesday but Alexander Zverev boosted his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals.

Fourth seed Daniil Medvedev suffered a shock defeat by home favourite Jeremy Chardy on a bad day for Russians at the Paris Masters on Tuesday but Alexander Zverev boosted his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals. Medvedev, who will make his debut at the ATP Finals in London next month after a barnstorming season, lost for the first time since the US Open final, going down 4-6 6-2 6-4. Earlier defending champion Karen Khachanov was bundled out by Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff, losing 7-6(5) 3-6 7-5. The 29-year-old Struff finished off the eighth seed with a superb smash from the baseline. Defeat ruled Khachanov out of the running for the ATP Finals. Medvedev was on a nine-match winning run taking in St Petersburg and Shanghai where he took his tally of titles this season to four, but he came up against an inspired Chardy. The Russian, who had reached six successive finals, looked in control when he took the first set but he ultimately paid for failing to convert 14 of the 15 break points he carved out. Chardy even saved one as he served for the match in the decider, going on to reach the third round at the Paris event for the first time at the 10th attempt. Chardy will face Chile's Cristian Garin or 2016 finalist John Isner of the US in the next round. Struff chiselled out a tough first set with a backhand winner at 5-5 in the tiebreak before serving an ace. Khachanov roared back to win 12 of the first 17 points of the second set on his way to levelling. Struff let slip a 3-1 lead in the decider but broke again when Khachanov served at 5-6. Zverev, who won last season's ATP Finals and is bidding to take one of the remaining two slots for this year's event with a strong showing in Paris, needed less than an hour to beat Spain's Fernando Verdasco 6-1 6-3. The German, who is seventh in the Race to London standings, will face Denis Shapovalov or Fabio Fognini in the next round. Top seed Novak Djokovic begins with a second-round clash against French lucky loser Corentin Moutet. Second seed Rafa Nadal, playing his first tournament since getting married this month, also begins against a Frenchman in wildcard Adrian Mannarino.

Paris Masters tennis: Chardy ends Medvedev's winning run

Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic booked their spots in the Paris Masters second round on Monday, while Roger Federer pulled out of the tournament with next month's ATP Finals on the horizon.

Cilic eased past Hubert Hurkacz of Poland 7-6(5) 6-4 to set up a second-round meeting with three-time Grand Slam champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-stan-wawrinka-sets-up-quarter-final-with-roger-federer-258056">Stan Wawrinka</a>.

The 2014 US&nbsp;Open champion dictated the contest with power and precision as he won 86 per cent&nbsp;of his first-serve points to seal his third consecutive victory over Hurkacz in less than two years.

Big-serving Canadian Raonic capitalised on fast court conditions to outclass Britain's Cameron Norrie 6-3 6-2 in just over an hour at the AccorHotels Arena.

A back injury has limited Raonic to three matches since the Rogers Cup in August, but the 2014 Paris runner-up was back to full strength as he struck 14 aces in a masterful display.

Raonic will next face newly-crowned Vienna Open champion Dominic Thiem.

World number three Federer pulled out of the tournament as he fine tunes his schedule heading into the season-ending ATP Finals.

The 38-year-old Swiss lifted a record-extending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-brushes-de-minaur-aside-to-claim-record-10th-basel-title-258408">10th Swiss Indoors </a>championship title in his hometown of Basel on Sunday and has decided not to play back-to-back weeks at this stage of the season.

"I am extremely disappointed to have to pull out of the Paris Masters," Federer said in a statement&nbsp;

"I have to pace myself since I want to play as long as possible on the ATP Tour. I am sorry for my French fans who I will see next year at Roland Garros."

Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas have booked their places for next month's ATP Finals, with the Paris Masters set to determine who clinches the final two spots for the London tournament.

Italian Andreas Seppi has replaced Federer as a lucky loser in the Paris main draw and will meet Moldova's Radu Albot in the second round.

Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic booked their spots in the Paris Masters second round on Monday, while Roger Federer pulled out of the tournament with next month's ATP Finals on the horizon.

Marin Cilic and Milos Raonic booked their spots in the Paris Masters second round on Monday, while Roger Federer pulled out of the tournament with next month's ATP Finals on the horizon. Cilic eased past Hubert Hurkacz of Poland 7-6(5) 6-4 to set up a second-round meeting with three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka. The 2014 US Open champion dictated the contest with power and precision as he won 86 per cent of his first-serve points to seal his third consecutive victory over Hurkacz in less than two years. Big-serving Canadian Raonic capitalised on fast court conditions to outclass Britain's Cameron Norrie 6-3 6-2 in just over an hour at the AccorHotels Arena. A back injury has limited Raonic to three matches since the Rogers Cup in August, but the 2014 Paris runner-up was back to full strength as he struck 14 aces in a masterful display. Raonic will next face newly-crowned Vienna Open champion Dominic Thiem. World number three Federer pulled out of the tournament as he fine tunes his schedule heading into the season-ending ATP Finals. The 38-year-old Swiss lifted a record-extending 10th Swiss Indoors championship title in his hometown of Basel on Sunday and has decided not to play back-to-back weeks at this stage of the season. "I am extremely disappointed to have to pull out of the Paris Masters," Federer said in a statement "I have to pace myself since I want to play as long as possible on the ATP Tour. I am sorry for my French fans who I will see next year at Roland Garros." Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Daniil Medvedev, Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas have booked their places for next month's ATP Finals, with the Paris Masters set to determine who clinches the final two spots for the London tournament. Italian Andreas Seppi has replaced Federer as a lucky loser in the Paris main draw and will meet Moldova's Radu Albot in the second round.

Tennis: Cilic, Raonic make winning starts at Paris Masters; Federer withdraws

Karen Khachanov caused one of the shocks of the tennis year by overpowering <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=novak+djokovic">Novak Djokovic</a> 7-5, 6-4 in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=paris+masters">Paris Masters</a> final to end the Serbian's remarkable spell of dominance in the men's game on Sunday.

The 22-year-old Russian has for some time been seen as one of the rising young talents of the sport but few could have envisaged his demolition of the Serbian superstar, who was on a three-month, 22-match winning streak.

Djokovic was expected to celebrate his return to world number one on Monday with a record-extending fifth Paris title but he went down in one hour 37 minutes amid a hail of 31 crushing winners from the Muscovite's racket.

Khachanov, a strapping 6ft 6in huge hitter with surprisingly fleet movement around the court, took advantage of Djokovic appearing to be a little under-the-weather after a week struggling with flu-like symptoms.

Yet even though the Serb may also have been suffering from the after-effects of his epic three-hour win over Roger Federer in the semi-final on Saturday, nothing could be taken away from the outstanding quality of Khachanov's attacking game.

Earning his fourth straight win over a top-10 player this week, Khachanov, whose muscular game resembles that of his childhood hero Marat Safin, the last Russian winner in Paris, picked up the biggest title of his burgeoning career.

Karen Khachanov caused one of the shocks of the tennis year by overpowering Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-4 in the Paris Masters final to end the Serbian's remarkable spell of dominance in the men's game on Sunday.

Karen Khachanov caused one of the shocks of the tennis year by overpowering Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-4 in the Paris Masters final to end the Serbian's remarkable spell of dominance in the men's game on Sunday. The 22-year-old Russian has for some time been seen as one of the rising young talents of the sport but few could have envisaged his demolition of the Serbian superstar, who was on a three-month, 22-match winning streak. Djokovic was expected to celebrate his return to world number one on Monday with a record-extending fifth Paris title but he went down in one hour 37 minutes amid a hail of 31 crushing winners from the Muscovite's racket. Khachanov, a strapping 6ft 6in huge hitter with surprisingly fleet movement around the court, took advantage of Djokovic appearing to be a little under-the-weather after a week struggling with flu-like symptoms. Yet even though the Serb may also have been suffering from the after-effects of his epic three-hour win over Roger Federer in the semi-final on Saturday, nothing could be taken away from the outstanding quality of Khachanov's attacking game. Earning his fourth straight win over a top-10 player this week, Khachanov, whose muscular game resembles that of his childhood hero Marat Safin, the last Russian winner in Paris, picked up the biggest title of his burgeoning career.

Paris Masters: Karen Khachanov shocks Djokovic to win title

Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in a thrilling semi-final at the Paris Masters on Saturday to extend his winning run to 22 matches ahead of his return to world number one next week.

The Serb outlasted Federer in just over three hours to prevail 7-6 (8/6), 5-7, 7-6 (7/3).

He will meet Russia's Karen Khachanov in Sunday's final as he looks to pull level with Rafael Nadal on 33 career Masters titles.

Djokovic, who will replace an injury-plagued Nadal at the top of the rankings on Monday, now leads Federer 25-22 overall and has not lost to the Swiss since 2015.

"Novak is obviously on a roll. You can feel it. At the end it came down to a few things here and there," said Federer, who returned to play in Paris this week for the first time in three years.

"But overall I'm happy with my game. It's better than last week in Basel. There I won the tournament and here I played in the semis and it needed somebody of Novak's calibre to beat me.

"So that's all right. And I'm looking forward to a rest now and a good preparation for London (ATP Finals)." Djokovic will go in search of a fifth Paris trophy after denying Federer a shot at a historic 100th title, although the Wimbledon and US Open champion was pushed all the way by his 37-year-old rival.

Djokovic watched four break points, one of which Federer saved with a magnificent reflex volley, go by as he led 4-3 in the opening set, before saving a set point on his serve in the tie-break.

A Federer backhand drifted wide to hand Djokovic the lead, although two more break points passed the Serb by in the first game of the second set with the Swiss on the ropes.

The missed opportunity proved costly when Federer conjured up just a second break point of the contest at 6-5, converting in style as he gambled on Djokovic going cross-court before batting a winner down the line to force a decider.

Federer fended off two more break points to open the third set as Djokovic hit the deck when his ankle appeared to catch in the surface.

The Serb threw his racket down in frustration as Federer again escaped from 15-40 down to move 5-4 ahead, but the 20-time Grand Slam champion's magic fizzled out as the final set headed to a tie-break.

Djokovic reeled off six successive points to bring up five match points, clinching victory at the third attempt when Federer picked out the net to end a tense concluding rally.

Earlier, the 22-year-old Khachanov advanced to his first Masters final after beating Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-1.

"I'm really happy to achieve this, to make it to the finals. But the tournament is not over. I mean, I'm looking forward to play finals tomorrow," said the 18th-ranked Khachanov.

Going into the Paris Masters, Khachanov had won just three of his 19 matches against players in the Top 10 but it took him just 71 minutes to add the scalp of world number eight Thiem to those of John Isner (9) and Alexander Zverev (5) whom he beat earlier in the week.

The 1.98m Khachanov dominated from the baseline and attacked the Thiem service, breaking the Austrian in his final five service games of the match.

The Russian number two now has 15 match wins at this level this year, including a trip to the semi-finals of the Rogers Cup in Toronto.

Khachanov has also won two ATP World Tour titles in 2018 with triumphs in Marseille and at the Kremlin Cup. 
"I am very happy with the way I have been playing," said the Russian who is assured of climbing at least to 12th in the ATP rankings when they are published on Monday.&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in a thrilling semi-final at the Paris Masters on Saturday to extend his winning run to 22 matches ahead of his return to world number one next week.

Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in a thrilling semi-final at the Paris Masters on Saturday to extend his winning run to 22 matches ahead of his return to world number one next week. The Serb outlasted Federer in just over three hours to prevail 7-6 (8/6), 5-7, 7-6 (7/3). He will meet Russia's Karen Khachanov in Sunday's final as he looks to pull level with Rafael Nadal on 33 career Masters titles. Djokovic, who will replace an injury-plagued Nadal at the top of the rankings on Monday, now leads Federer 25-22 overall and has not lost to the Swiss since 2015. "Novak is obviously on a roll. You can feel it. At the end it came down to a few things here and there," said Federer, who returned to play in Paris this week for the first time in three years. "But overall I'm happy with my game. It's better than last week in Basel. There I won the tournament and here I played in the semis and it needed somebody of Novak's calibre to beat me. "So that's all right. And I'm looking forward to a rest now and a good preparation for London (ATP Finals)." Djokovic will go in search of a fifth Paris trophy after denying Federer a shot at a historic 100th title, although the Wimbledon and US Open champion was pushed all the way by his 37-year-old rival. Djokovic watched four break points, one of which Federer saved with a magnificent reflex volley, go by as he led 4-3 in the opening set, before saving a set point on his serve in the tie-break. A Federer backhand drifted wide to hand Djokovic the lead, although two more break points passed the Serb by in the first game of the second set with the Swiss on the ropes. The missed opportunity proved costly when Federer conjured up just a second break point of the contest at 6-5, converting in style as he gambled on Djokovic going cross-court before batting a winner down the line to force a decider. Federer fended off two more break points to open the third set as Djokovic hit the deck when his ankle appeared to catch in the surface. The Serb threw his racket down in frustration as Federer again escaped from 15-40 down to move 5-4 ahead, but the 20-time Grand Slam champion's magic fizzled out as the final set headed to a tie-break. Djokovic reeled off six successive points to bring up five match points, clinching victory at the third attempt when Federer picked out the net to end a tense concluding rally. Earlier, the 22-year-old Khachanov advanced to his first Masters final after beating Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-1. "I'm really happy to achieve this, to make it to the finals. But the tournament is not over. I mean, I'm looking forward to play finals tomorrow," said the 18th-ranked Khachanov. Going into the Paris Masters, Khachanov had won just three of his 19 matches against players in the Top 10 but it took him just 71 minutes to add the scalp of world number eight Thiem to those of John Isner (9) and Alexander Zverev (5) whom he beat earlier in the week. The 1.98m Khachanov dominated from the baseline and attacked the Thiem service, breaking the Austrian in his final five service games of the match. The Russian number two now has 15 match wins at this level this year, including a trip to the semi-finals of the Rogers Cup in Toronto. Khachanov has also won two ATP World Tour titles in 2018 with triumphs in Marseille and at the Kremlin Cup. "I am very happy with the way I have been playing," said the Russian who is assured of climbing at least to 12th in the ATP rankings when they are published on Monday.

Paris Masters: Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer to reach final

Roger Federer made quick work of Kei Nishikori at the Paris Masters on Friday (November 2) with a comprehensive 6-4, 6-4 win.

The Swiss star's win moves him a step nearer to winning his 100th career title, but he has to defeat an old nemesis in the form of Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

Djokovic, who will return to world number one next week, had to overcome a nagging flu and formidable examination from Marin Cilic.

The Croat took the first set and was a break up in the final set, but Djokovic fought back to take the match 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Federer, in stark contrast, was hardly stretched at all in despatching Nishikori, beating the Japanese for a sixth straight time while not dropping serve.

He did, though, offer a few glimpses of his very best, which will be needed to beat Djokovic in their 47th meeting on Saturday (November 2).

Roger Federer made quick work of Kei Nishikori at the Paris Masters on Friday (November 2) with a comprehensive 6-4, 6-4 win. The Swiss star's win moves him a step nearer to winning his 100th career title, but he has to defeat an old nemesis in the form of Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

Roger Federer made quick work of Kei Nishikori at the Paris Masters on Friday (November 2) with a comprehensive 6-4, 6-4 win. The Swiss star's win moves him a step nearer to winning his 100th career title, but he has to defeat an old nemesis in the form of Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. Djokovic, who will return to world number one next week, had to overcome a nagging flu and formidable examination from Marin Cilic. The Croat took the first set and was a break up in the final set, but Djokovic fought back to take the match 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. Federer, in stark contrast, was hardly stretched at all in despatching Nishikori, beating the Japanese for a sixth straight time while not dropping serve. He did, though, offer a few glimpses of his very best, which will be needed to beat Djokovic in their 47th meeting on Saturday (November 2).

Roger Federer beats Nishikori to set-up Djokovic battle

Russia's Karen Khachanov demolished fourth seed Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-1, 6-2 on Friday to power into the last four of the Paris Masters.

Khachanov, the winner at last month's Kremlin Cup in Moscow, will meet either defending champion Jack Sock or Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem for a place in the final.

World number 18 Khachanov saved two match points against John Isner in the last 16 but needed just over an hour to dispatch an out-of-sorts Zverev, who dropped his serve six times in eight games.&nbsp;

Four-time Paris champion Novak Djokovic takes on Marin Cilic in the quarter-finals later on Friday, while Roger Federer will meet Japan's Kei Nishikori.

Djokovic will replace Rafael Nadal as the world's top player on Monday after a two-year absence.

Meanwhile, Federer, 37, is three wins away from his 100th career title after triumphing on home ground in Basel last week.

Russia's Karen Khachanov demolished fourth seed Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-1, 6-2 on Friday to power into the last four of the Paris Masters. Khachanov, the winner at last month's Kremlin Cup in Moscow, will meet either defending champion Jack Sock or Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem for a place in the final.

Russia's Karen Khachanov demolished fourth seed Alexander Zverev of Germany 6-1, 6-2 on Friday to power into the last four of the Paris Masters. Khachanov, the winner at last month's Kremlin Cup in Moscow, will meet either defending champion Jack Sock or Austrian sixth seed Dominic Thiem for a place in the final. World number 18 Khachanov saved two match points against John Isner in the last 16 but needed just over an hour to dispatch an out-of-sorts Zverev, who dropped his serve six times in eight games. Four-time Paris champion Novak Djokovic takes on Marin Cilic in the quarter-finals later on Friday, while Roger Federer will meet Japan's Kei Nishikori. Djokovic will replace Rafael Nadal as the world's top player on Monday after a two-year absence. Meanwhile, Federer, 37, is three wins away from his 100th career title after triumphing on home ground in Basel last week.

Karen Khachanov defeats Alexander Zverev to enter Paris semis

Tennis star Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Paris Masters after he failing to recover from an injury.&nbsp;His withdrawal guarantees Novak Djokovic's return to world number one spot.&nbsp;

Ahead of the start of the tournament, Nadal revealed that he has been recommended by the doctors not to play.&nbsp;

"My abdominal muscles haven't felt good for the past few days, especially on serve, doctors recommended that I didn't play," said Nadal.&nbsp;

Earlier, Nadal was forced to withdraw from his US Open semi-final against Juan Martin del Potro in early September with a knee injury.

The problem sidelined him for Spain's Davis Cup semi-final against France, and also from tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai. 
&nbsp;

Tennis star Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Paris Masters after he failing to recover from an injury. His withdrawal guarantees Novak Djokovic's return to world number one spot.

Tennis star Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Paris Masters after he failing to recover from an injury. His withdrawal guarantees Novak Djokovic's return to world number one spot. Ahead of the start of the tournament, Nadal revealed that he has been recommended by the doctors not to play. "My abdominal muscles haven't felt good for the past few days, especially on serve, doctors recommended that I didn't play," said Nadal. Earlier, Nadal was forced to withdraw from his US Open semi-final against Juan Martin del Potro in early September with a knee injury. The problem sidelined him for Spain's Davis Cup semi-final against France, and also from tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai.

Injured Rafael Nadal pulls out of Paris Masters, Djokovic to return to no. 1

Novak Djokovic began his bid for a record-extending fifth Paris Masters title with a 7-5, 6-1 win against Joao Sousa in the second round on Tuesday, and lent a helping hand to a spectator in the process.

Serving for the match at 5-1, Djokovic handed a towel to a man in the crowd who seemed unwell and who wiped his forehead with it.

"It seemed he was sweating and he seemed dizzy, so he just needed help," Djokovic said. "I just gave him the towel." Djokovic revealed he also was not feeling very well out on court.

"I wasn't," he said. "I don't want to get into details but I think it's a minor thing."

The second-ranked Serb set up match point with an ace and sealed victory on his third match point when Sousa returned a second serve long.

The US Open champion won four of the last five tournaments he has entered, including Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and most recently the Shanghai Masters.

Djokovic is seeking to reclaim the top ranking from Rafael Nadal at a tournament Nadal has never won. Djokovic next faces Damir Dzumhur.

Fifth-seeded Marin Cilic, the Australian Open runner-up, won his second-round match 6-3, 6-4 against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany.

Dzumhur upset 14th-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-3, while big-hitting Russian Karen Khachanov also advanced to the third round. He led 6-2, 2-0 against Matthew Ebden when the Australian retired.

Returning from a right knee injury , Nadal faces Spanish countryman Fernando Verdasco on Wednesday, with 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer also in second-round action against Milos Raonic. Federer leads the big-serving Canadian 11-3 overall.

Federer's last appearance at the Paris indoor event was a third-round loss to big-serving John Isner in 2015. There were doubts Federer would play after a gruelling past week which saw him clinch his ninth victory at the Swiss Indoors and 99th overall.

"I feel good," Federer told a news conference. "I feel like I recovered well from last week."&nbsp;

The 37-year-old Federer is selective of when he plays in order to keep his body as fresh as possible, and he skipped the entire clay-court season for the second straight year.

With the season-ending ATP Finals in London starting Nov. 11, he is playing three straight tournaments. But the third-ranked Federer feels comfortable with it.

"I feel like it's better for me to play matches rather than practice," Federer said.

"As long as I don't feel like I'm taking a chance on my health prior to London, that's the key as well."&nbsp;

Federer showed fighting qualities last week in Basel, where he was twice taken to three sets and went an early break down in three of his last four matches.

"I was a bit bumpy. But I was happy how I was fighting, how I was trying to figure it out in a different manner," he said.&nbsp;

"Last week was special to win the way I did it, in a different manner."&nbsp;

Federer moved within 10 titles of Jimmy Connors all-time singles record. He is cautious about his chances of success in Paris, where his only tournament victory came in 2011.

The Australian Open champion is drawn in the same half as Djokovic; Cilic and big-serving Kevin Anderson, who upset Federer in the Wimbledon quarterfinals this year.

"I rarely play two or three tournaments in a row now. So starting on Wednesday and winning five matches in a row with this caliber (of players) is very difficult," Federer said.&nbsp;

"If I get close to the last four that would also be great." In first-round play Tuesday, there were wins for Mikhail Kukushkin, Gilles Simon, Daniil Medvedev, Marton Fucsovics, Raonic and Verdasco.&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic began his bid for a record-extending fifth Paris Masters title with a 7-5, 6-1 win against Joao Sousa in the second round on Tuesday, and lent a helping hand to a spectator in the process.

Novak Djokovic began his bid for a record-extending fifth Paris Masters title with a 7-5, 6-1 win against Joao Sousa in the second round on Tuesday, and lent a helping hand to a spectator in the process. Serving for the match at 5-1, Djokovic handed a towel to a man in the crowd who seemed unwell and who wiped his forehead with it. "It seemed he was sweating and he seemed dizzy, so he just needed help," Djokovic said. "I just gave him the towel." Djokovic revealed he also was not feeling very well out on court. "I wasn't," he said. "I don't want to get into details but I think it's a minor thing." The second-ranked Serb set up match point with an ace and sealed victory on his third match point when Sousa returned a second serve long. The US Open champion won four of the last five tournaments he has entered, including Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and most recently the Shanghai Masters. Djokovic is seeking to reclaim the top ranking from Rafael Nadal at a tournament Nadal has never won. Djokovic next faces Damir Dzumhur. Fifth-seeded Marin Cilic, the Australian Open runner-up, won his second-round match 6-3, 6-4 against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany. Dzumhur upset 14th-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-3, while big-hitting Russian Karen Khachanov also advanced to the third round. He led 6-2, 2-0 against Matthew Ebden when the Australian retired. Returning from a right knee injury , Nadal faces Spanish countryman Fernando Verdasco on Wednesday, with 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer also in second-round action against Milos Raonic. Federer leads the big-serving Canadian 11-3 overall. Federer's last appearance at the Paris indoor event was a third-round loss to big-serving John Isner in 2015. There were doubts Federer would play after a gruelling past week which saw him clinch his ninth victory at the Swiss Indoors and 99th overall. "I feel good," Federer told a news conference. "I feel like I recovered well from last week." The 37-year-old Federer is selective of when he plays in order to keep his body as fresh as possible, and he skipped the entire clay-court season for the second straight year. With the season-ending ATP Finals in London starting Nov. 11, he is playing three straight tournaments. But the third-ranked Federer feels comfortable with it. "I feel like it's better for me to play matches rather than practice," Federer said. "As long as I don't feel like I'm taking a chance on my health prior to London, that's the key as well." Federer showed fighting qualities last week in Basel, where he was twice taken to three sets and went an early break down in three of his last four matches. "I was a bit bumpy. But I was happy how I was fighting, how I was trying to figure it out in a different manner," he said. "Last week was special to win the way I did it, in a different manner." Federer moved within 10 titles of Jimmy Connors all-time singles record. He is cautious about his chances of success in Paris, where his only tournament victory came in 2011. The Australian Open champion is drawn in the same half as Djokovic; Cilic and big-serving Kevin Anderson, who upset Federer in the Wimbledon quarterfinals this year. "I rarely play two or three tournaments in a row now. So starting on Wednesday and winning five matches in a row with this caliber (of players) is very difficult," Federer said. "If I get close to the last four that would also be great." In first-round play Tuesday, there were wins for Mikhail Kukushkin, Gilles Simon, Daniil Medvedev, Marton Fucsovics, Raonic and Verdasco.

Novak Djokovic beats Sousa in straight sets at Paris Masters

Swiss Tennis star Roger Federer confirmed his participation at this year's Paris Masters after a three-year absence.&nbsp;

The world no.3 will play the winner of the tie between France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Croatia's Milos Raonic on Wednesday after receiving a bye in the first round.&nbsp;

"I prefer playing to training as long as I don't take any risks ahead of the London Masters, (November 11-18)," Federer said.&nbsp;

"I feel like I've recovered well after last week. I feel good today (Tuesday)," he added after winning the Swiss indoor championships in Basel on Sunday.

Federer's only tournament victory in Bercy came in 2011. On his last appearance in 2015 he was knocked-out by American Jon Isner in the Round of 16.

Swiss Tennis star Roger Federer confirmed his participation at this year's Paris Masters after a three-year absence. The world no.3 will play the winner of the tie between France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Croatia's Milos Raonic on Wednesday after receiving a bye in the first round.

Swiss Tennis star Roger Federer confirmed his participation at this year's Paris Masters after a three-year absence. The world no.3 will play the winner of the tie between France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Croatia's Milos Raonic on Wednesday after receiving a bye in the first round. "I prefer playing to training as long as I don't take any risks ahead of the London Masters, (November 11-18)," Federer said. "I feel like I've recovered well after last week. I feel good today (Tuesday)," he added after winning the Swiss indoor championships in Basel on Sunday. Federer's only tournament victory in Bercy came in 2011. On his last appearance in 2015 he was knocked-out by American Jon Isner in the Round of 16.

Paris Masters: Roger Federer confirms participation after 3-year absence

World number one Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Paris Masters on Friday before his quarter-final with a knee injury.

The Spaniard, who had his right knee strapped during his third-round win on Thursday, said he wanted to try and be ready to face Filip Krajinovic in the last eight but that &quot;it wasn&#39;t possible to play&quot;.

He did not say if he would be fit to play at the World Tour Finals in London later this month.

World number one Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Paris Masters on Friday before his quarter-final with a knee injury

World number one Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Paris Masters on Friday before his quarter-final with a knee injury. The Spaniard, who had his right knee strapped during his third-round win on Thursday, said he wanted to try and be ready to face Filip Krajinovic in the last eight but that "it wasn't possible to play". He did not say if he would be fit to play at the World Tour Finals in London later this month.

World No 1 Nadal withdraws from Paris Masters

Andy Murray celebrated his impending rise to the world number one ranking with a 6-3 6-7(4) 6-4 victory against John Isner to claim his maiden Paris Masters title and his eighth tournament win of the season on Sunday.

The Briton, who will take over from Novak Djokovic at the top of the ATP rankings on Monday, survived a barrage of aces against the towering American to win his 14th career Masters tournament.

The three-times grand slam champion gave little breathing space to Isner, who was hoping to clinch his first Masters title after two lost finals.

Murray will be the top seed at the season-ending ATP World Tour finals at the O2 Arena in London from Nov. 13-20.

&quot;Thanks to my team and my family who were commenting back home. This has been an incredible journey for me to get to the top of the rankings, I could have not done it without all of you,&quot; said Murray.

Isner said of Murray: &quot;He&#39;s the guy that everyone is looking up to right now. And he&#39;s been at the top of the game for so long. Whether it&#39;s two, three, four in the world, everyone knows how hard he works and how dedicated he is.

&quot;He&#39;s a big inspiration to myself and I&#39;m sure he&#39;s a big inspiration to other players, as well.&quot;

The double Olympic champion entered the contest with a 7-0 record against Isner and his recent form, which had helped him to win six of his eight previous tournaments since losing the French Open final, suggested he would have the upper hand.

Murray, who now has 43 titles to his name, broke in the sixth game on his first opportunity when Isner sent a backhand long.

The American, who served a total of 18 aces, had two chances to break back in the following game as he opened up a 40-15 lead.

Murray saved the first with a routine volley after managing to lob his 2.08-metre opponent, and forced Isner to bury a backhand into the net on the second.

He bagged the opening set with an unreturned serve having made only four unforced errors.

Isner earned three break points thanks to a splendid drop shot followed by a forehand winner. Murray saved them all, the last one with a second-serve ace, and staved off another one to stay level.

In the tiebreak, Isner went 4-2 up when Murray double faulted, and the American closed it out with a booming forehand winner to send the contest into a decider.

Both players looked clumsy but it was Murray who played a tighter game in the end, ending the contest on his first match point when Isner netted a backhand volley.

(AFP)

&nbsp;

The three-time Grand Slam winner beat John Isner 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-4

Andy Murray celebrated his impending rise to the world number one ranking with a 6-3 6-7(4) 6-4 victory against John Isner to claim his maiden Paris Masters title and his eighth tournament win of the season on Sunday. The Briton, who will take over from Novak Djokovic at the top of the ATP rankings on Monday, survived a barrage of aces against the towering American to win his 14th career Masters tournament. The three-times grand slam champion gave little breathing space to Isner, who was hoping to clinch his first Masters title after two lost finals. Murray will be the top seed at the season-ending ATP World Tour finals at the O2 Arena in London from Nov. 13-20. "Thanks to my team and my family who were commenting back home. This has been an incredible journey for me to get to the top of the rankings, I could have not done it without all of you," said Murray. Isner said of Murray: "He's the guy that everyone is looking up to right now. And he's been at the top of the game for so long. Whether it's two, three, four in the world, everyone knows how hard he works and how dedicated he is. "He's a big inspiration to myself and I'm sure he's a big inspiration to other players, as well." The double Olympic champion entered the contest with a 7-0 record against Isner and his recent form, which had helped him to win six of his eight previous tournaments since losing the French Open final, suggested he would have the upper hand. Murray, who now has 43 titles to his name, broke in the sixth game on his first opportunity when Isner sent a backhand long. The American, who served a total of 18 aces, had two chances to break back in the following game as he opened up a 40-15 lead. Murray saved the first with a routine volley after managing to lob his 2.08-metre opponent, and forced Isner to bury a backhand into the net on the second. He bagged the opening set with an unreturned serve having made only four unforced errors. Isner earned three break points thanks to a splendid drop shot followed by a forehand winner. Murray saved them all, the last one with a second-serve ace, and staved off another one to stay level. In the tiebreak, Isner went 4-2 up when Murray double faulted, and the American closed it out with a booming forehand winner to send the contest into a decider. Both players looked clumsy but it was Murray who played a tighter game in the end, ending the contest on his first match point when Isner netted a backhand volley. (AFP)

Tennis: Murray claims Paris Masters title

Four-time Paris champion Novak Djokovic&#39;s loss has left the world number one spot open for Andy Murray, should he win his Paris Masters semi-final on Saturday.&nbsp;

Murray said he will not let the pressure of Saturday&#39;s game get to him and will focus on the game alone. &nbsp;

&quot;If it happens this week, great. But if not, I&#39;m not putting any extra pressure on myself this week because I still think I have an opportunity to do it in the future.&quot;

&quot;But obviously I&#39;d love to do it Saturday if I can,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

Murray will play Canada&#39;s Milos Raonic in the semi-finals.&nbsp;

The 29-year-old Wimbledon and Olympic champion defeated Tomas Berdych 7-6 (11/9), 7-5 in the quarter-finals on Friday.&nbsp;

&quot;Before the match there were a few more nerves maybe than there was earlier in the week. But once I got out there, I didn&#39;t feel any different to any other match,&quot; Murray said referring to the match with&nbsp;Berdych.&nbsp;

(WION)

He beat Tomas Berdych in the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters on Friday

Four-time Paris champion Novak Djokovic's loss has left the world number one spot open for Andy Murray, should he win his Paris Masters semi-final on Saturday. Murray said he will not let the pressure of Saturday's game get to him and will focus on the game alone. "If it happens this week, great. But if not, I'm not putting any extra pressure on myself this week because I still think I have an opportunity to do it in the future." "But obviously I'd love to do it Saturday if I can," he added. Murray will play Canada's Milos Raonic in the semi-finals. The 29-year-old Wimbledon and Olympic champion defeated Tomas Berdych 7-6 (11/9), 7-5 in the quarter-finals on Friday. "Before the match there were a few more nerves maybe than there was earlier in the week. But once I got out there, I didn't feel any different to any other match," Murray said referring to the match with Berdych. (WION)

Tennis: Murray one win away from world no. 1 ranking

Britain&#39;s Andy Murray became the new world number one on Saturday after Milos Raonic withdrew from their Paris Masters semi-final with injury.

The walkover will see Murray, 29, move to the top of the rankings for the first time in his career after replacing long-time incumbent Novak Djokovic.

Raonic said he had suffered a muscle tear in his right leg in his previous match, sending Murray through to face John Isner in Sunday&#39;s final.

&quot;This morning I had trouble waking up and getting out of bed. So I went to sort of clear any serious diagnosis,&quot; said Raonic, who hurt himself in Friday&#39;s quarter-final win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.&nbsp;

&quot;Did some tests. Did an MRI half an hour ago, let&#39;s say. They found that I have a tear, Grade 1 tear in the right quad.&nbsp;

&quot;Unfortunately, I&#39;m not able to compete against Andy today in the second semi-final.&quot;

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Murray replaced Djokovic to take the top spot for the first time in hi career after Raonic pulled out citing a leg injury

Britain's Andy Murray became the new world number one on Saturday after Milos Raonic withdrew from their Paris Masters semi-final with injury. The walkover will see Murray, 29, move to the top of the rankings for the first time in his career after replacing long-time incumbent Novak Djokovic. Raonic said he had suffered a muscle tear in his right leg in his previous match, sending Murray through to face John Isner in Sunday's final. "This morning I had trouble waking up and getting out of bed. So I went to sort of clear any serious diagnosis," said Raonic, who hurt himself in Friday's quarter-final win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. "Did some tests. Did an MRI half an hour ago, let's say. They found that I have a tear, Grade 1 tear in the right quad. "Unfortunately, I'm not able to compete against Andy today in the second semi-final." (AFP)

Tennis: Murray becomes world number one after Raonic withdraws from Paris Masters

Andy Murray stepped up his assault on Novak Djokovic&#39;s world number one ranking by thrashing Lucas Pouille to ease into the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters on Thursday.

Murray reeled off the final eight games as he dispatched French 13th seed Pouille 6-3, 6-0 to extend his winning streak to 17 matches.

&quot;I thought I returned well today. I had chances in almost all of his service games throughout the match. And on this surface, obviously when it&#39;s a bit quicker, that&#39;s good,&quot; said Murray.

&quot;I felt tired (this morning) because it was a late finish (from Wednesday night when Murray defeated Fernando Verdasco) but I felt all right once I got going,&quot; added the second seed, having equalled last season&#39;s career-best total of 71 wins.

Murray, runner-up in Paris last year, will next meet Tomas Berdych who beat Gilles Simon 6-4, 6-3, as he bids to end long-time rival Djokovic&#39;s 122-week run at the top of the rankings.

The Scot has won three straight tournaments -- in Beijing, Shanghai and Vienna -- to drastically close the gap on Djokovic and must at least reach the final in Paris to stand a chance of displacing the Serb.&nbsp;

Djokovic recovered from an early wobble to defeat Grigor Dimitrov 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 as he tries to keep Murray at arm&#39;s length.

The record four-time champion will remain above Murray at the top of the rankings if he makes Sunday&#39;s final in the French capital, but Djokovic was made to sweat by the Bulgarian.

He fell behind after losing serve twice in succession in an hour-long first set and then required medical treatment on his right knee after landing awkwardly while stretching for a return.

But Djokovic kept his calm as the errors mounted from Dimitrov to claim the second set with relative ease, and he broke early in the decider to wrest away control of the match.

&quot;He started off the match very well. I knew it from the beginning that it&#39;s going to be tough. That&#39;s all I can say,&quot; said Djokovic, who swiftly dismissed any concerns over his knee.

&quot;No problem, thankfully. Just an awkward footing in that point, but all is well.&quot;&nbsp;

Cilic headed to London

The top seed next takes on Marin Cilic, who earlier punched his ticket to the Tour finals in London with a 6-3, 7/6 (11/9) defeat of David Goffin.

&quot;He&#39;s in great form. He has a big serve that he relies on a lot,&quot; Djokovic said of Cilic.

&quot;He loves, I guess, this kind of very quick conditions. He won Cincinnati in a very similar, even faster conditions.&quot;

Cilic claimed the penultimate spot in the eight-man field for the prestigious November 13-20 event in London after seeing off Goffin on his sixth match point.

&quot;That was the goal of the season for me, to reach the Tour finals in London,&quot; said Cilic, who eliminated Goffin from contention in the process.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga kept his faint London hopes flickering though by saving two match points in a dramatic 0-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) win over Japan&#39;s Kei Nishikori.

The 2008 Paris champion must land another title in the French capital to have a shot at returning to the Tour finals for the first time since 2012.

He goes on to&nbsp;play Milos Raonic after the Canadian shook off a slow start against Uruguay&#39;s Pablo Cuevas to advance 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.

American Jack Sock matched last month&#39;s run to the quarters in Shanghai as he dumped out home hope Richard Gasquet 6-2, 3-6, 7-5.

He will meet compatriot John Isner in the next round after the latter halted the run of German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff, winning 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3.

Berdych, the 2005 titlist, is hoping to make the Tour finals for a seventh consecutive year.

The world number 11 trails Dominic Thiem, who lost in the second round, in the race for the remaining London berth and needs to reach at least the semis to leapfrog the Austrian.&nbsp;

(AFP)

World number 2 Andy Murray dropped just three games to beat Lucas Pouille in his attempt to bag the number one ranking from Djokovic

Andy Murray stepped up his assault on Novak Djokovic's world number one ranking by thrashing Lucas Pouille to ease into the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters on Thursday. Murray reeled off the final eight games as he dispatched French 13th seed Pouille 6-3, 6-0 to extend his winning streak to 17 matches. "I thought I returned well today. I had chances in almost all of his service games throughout the match. And on this surface, obviously when it's a bit quicker, that's good," said Murray. "I felt tired (this morning) because it was a late finish (from Wednesday night when Murray defeated Fernando Verdasco) but I felt all right once I got going," added the second seed, having equalled last season's career-best total of 71 wins. Murray, runner-up in Paris last year, will next meet Tomas Berdych who beat Gilles Simon 6-4, 6-3, as he bids to end long-time rival Djokovic's 122-week run at the top of the rankings. The Scot has won three straight tournaments -- in Beijing, Shanghai and Vienna -- to drastically close the gap on Djokovic and must at least reach the final in Paris to stand a chance of displacing the Serb. Djokovic recovered from an early wobble to defeat Grigor Dimitrov 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 as he tries to keep Murray at arm's length. The record four-time champion will remain above Murray at the top of the rankings if he makes Sunday's final in the French capital, but Djokovic was made to sweat by the Bulgarian. He fell behind after losing serve twice in succession in an hour-long first set and then required medical treatment on his right knee after landing awkwardly while stretching for a return. But Djokovic kept his calm as the errors mounted from Dimitrov to claim the second set with relative ease, and he broke early in the decider to wrest away control of the match. "He started off the match very well. I knew it from the beginning that it's going to be tough. That's all I can say," said Djokovic, who swiftly dismissed any concerns over his knee. "No problem, thankfully. Just an awkward footing in that point, but all is well." Cilic headed to London The top seed next takes on Marin Cilic, who earlier punched his ticket to the Tour finals in London with a 6-3, 7/6 (11/9) defeat of David Goffin. "He's in great form. He has a big serve that he relies on a lot," Djokovic said of Cilic. "He loves, I guess, this kind of very quick conditions. He won Cincinnati in a very similar, even faster conditions." Cilic claimed the penultimate spot in the eight-man field for the prestigious November 13-20 event in London after seeing off Goffin on his sixth match point. "That was the goal of the season for me, to reach the Tour finals in London," said Cilic, who eliminated Goffin from contention in the process. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga kept his faint London hopes flickering though by saving two match points in a dramatic 0-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) win over Japan's Kei Nishikori. The 2008 Paris champion must land another title in the French capital to have a shot at returning to the Tour finals for the first time since 2012. He goes on to play Milos Raonic after the Canadian shook off a slow start against Uruguay's Pablo Cuevas to advance 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. American Jack Sock matched last month's run to the quarters in Shanghai as he dumped out home hope Richard Gasquet 6-2, 3-6, 7-5. He will meet compatriot John Isner in the next round after the latter halted the run of German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff, winning 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3. Berdych, the 2005 titlist, is hoping to make the Tour finals for a seventh consecutive year. The world number 11 trails Dominic Thiem, who lost in the second round, in the race for the remaining London berth and needs to reach at least the semis to leapfrog the Austrian. (AFP)

Paris Masters: Ruthless Murray keeps pressure on Djokovic

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