World No. 1 Novak Djokovic could find on his way the American Ben Shelton but especially the Dane Holger Rune during the Masters 1000 at Paris-Bercy (October 30 - November 5), depending on the draw made on Friday, which rather spared the French.
The Serbian player, who took a break after the Davis Cup in September, skipping the Asian tour, is making his return to Paris and could find in the round of 16 the fiery American Ben Shelton (15th), whom he had dominated in three sets in the semi-finals of the last US Open. If he passes, he could meet Holger Rune (6th) in the quarters, in a potential remake of the final of the 2022 edition, won by the Dane (3-6, 6-3, 7-5). The Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz (2nd in the world) will play in the group of Daniil Medvedev (3rd) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (7th).
The French, for their part, were rather well off, according to the words of the president of the French Tennis Federation Gilles Moretton, who described a draw that was “rather generally favorable for our French”.
If Richard Gasquet (69th) will have a lot to do in the first round against the American Tommy Paul (12th), Adrian Mannarino (24th), Ugo Humbert (28th), Arthur Fils (38th) and Benjamin Bonzi (87th) will all face players from qualifying in the first round. Gaël Monfils (89th), who has just won the twelfth title of his career on Sunday in Stockholm, will meet the Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo (21st).