Paris Masters: Alcaraz reaches the last eight without playing as Berrettini pulls out
· BehindLines newsroom
Carlos Alcaraz is into the quarter-finals of the Rolex Paris Masters without hitting a ball: his third-round opponent, Italy's Matteo Berrettini, withdrew on Thursday 5 November with arm pain, according to Sky Sports and ABC News. The match was due to be played in the evening.
A withdrawal announced by the organisers
On Instagram, the Italian explained that arm pain would not let him play that night and that he would undergo tests in the coming days, Sky Sports reports. According to ABC News, he had been in pain for a few days. ABC News adds that he did not say which arm it was. Alcaraz, the second seed according to ABC, therefore moves on without playing.
Fritz in the quarter-finals
Alcaraz will face American Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals on Friday 6 November, Sky Sports says. Fritz, the 11th seed per ABC, was due to play his third-round match on Thursday evening against Arthur Fils. According to Sky, he must beat Alcaraz to have a chance of reaching the ATP Finals in Turin, while ABC speaks only of an outside chance of qualifying. Sky adds that Alcaraz, chasing a fifth tour-level title of the season, would reach his first semi-final in Paris in six appearances.
Other results of the day
According to Sky Sports, Tommy Paul beat Quentin Halys 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 and will meet Ben Shelton. Shelton got past Arthur Rinderknech 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5). Luca Van Assche knocked out Lorenzo Musetti 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 and will face qualifier Ricky Hijikata. ABC confirms Paul's win over Halys.
For Berrettini, the outcome of the medical tests is not yet known: neither source gives a precise diagnosis or a length of absence.