It’s time for the final ATP 1000 tournament of the year, the Rolex Paris Masters, and day one promises to be special. With its place in the calendar just before the ATP Finals, the Paris Masters always draws a stacked line-up, as players hunt for crucial ranking points and aim to finish the season on a high. Day 1 features 13 matches from Round 1, and as always, we here at LWOT will provide our predictions for each match on the slate. But who will come forward?
ATP Paris Day 1 Predictions: Alejandro Tabello vs. Nuno Borges
Face to face: first meeting
Alejandro Tabello may not be at his best, but he should be confident of beating Nuno Borges. Borges hasn’t played much since the US Open, and he’s not the best player on the indoor hard courts. Borges is an attacking player, but Tabelo’s style suits these conditions better. The Chilean will look to finish the season inside the top twenty, and this win will help him get closer.
Prediction: Tabello at 3
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Nicolas Jarry vs Lorenzo Sonego
Head to Head: Gary 1-2 Sonego
Nicolas Jarry lost a close match in Stockholm, but his level is improving. It was a disastrous second half for Gary, but he will be looking to finish the season on a high. He will be facing another player who has struggled for most of the season. However, Sonego played two impressive matches to qualify for the main draw. Both players have only won one main draw match before at the Paris Masters and this could go either way. The Italian served great in the qualifying rounds, so I’m giving him a slight edge.
Prediction: Sonejo at 3
Tallon Griekspoor vs Luciano Darderi
Head to head: Grekspor 1-0 Darderi
It’s been a big week for Talon Greksboer in Stockholm, as he finally secured his first top-10 win. He lost in the first round in Basel, but he shouldn’t be worried because he plays great tennis. Grikspor was very close to beating Novak Djokovic here last year and should like his chance to win some matches this week. Luciano Darderi is still adapting to the hard courts and should not pose a major challenge for Grekspor.
Prediction: Greekspur at 2
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Ugo Humbert vs. Brandon Nakashima
Head to head: Humbert 3-1 Nakashima
Ugo Humbert is one of the most dangerous players on fast hard courts with his attacking style and flat strokes. But he has not lived up to that expectation in the last two events. However, playing at home and against a player who has dominated this year should provide a good starting point for the rest of the week. Nakashima had a very consistent year, beating several top 20 players. However, this is a very difficult opening match for the American, and I don’t think his chances are good.
Prediction: Humbert at 3
Tommy Paul vs. Adrian Mannarino
Head to head: Paul 1-0 Mannarino
Tommy Paul needs a deep run this week to have any chance of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals. Paul was fantastic in Stockholm and he will need to reach that level to qualify for the ATP Finals. Adrian Mannarino is starting to play better tennis but is still far from the level needed to beat the American. Paul has never lost a first round match at the Paris Masters and I believe that streak will continue.
Prediction: Paul at 2
Main Image Credit: Jeff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
