As the ATP season winds down, the Paris Masters offers one final chance for players to finish strong before the year-end championships. The quick indoor conditions often reward aggressive first-strike tennis, while consistency under pressure becomes just as crucial. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?
ATP Paris Day 2 Predictions
Alejandro Davidovic Fokina vs Valentin Royer
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina enters Paris looking to rebound from another final defeat in Basel, his third of the season. Breaking into the Top 15 is a milestone, but the pressure to finally win a title will weigh heavily. Valentin Royer, a lucky loser for the third straight week, has made the most of his recent opportunities but faces uncertainty after reportedly falling ill before qualifying. If Davidovich Fokina channels his frustration the right way, his experience and shot variety should see him through.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 2
Taylor Fritz Aleksandar Vukic
Head-to-Head: Fritz 3–0 Vukic
Taylor Fritz has already secured his place at the ATP Finals but needs a strong showing in Paris to regain confidence after early exits in Shanghai and Basel. Despite spending much of the year among the world’s top four, his form has dipped in recent weeks. Aleksandar Vukic has made good progress by qualifying and breaking back into the top 90, yet his 0–5 record against top-five opponents underlines the gulf in class. With his serve and indoor experience, Fritz should steady himself here.
Prediction: Fritz in 2
Ben Shelton vs Flavio Cobolli
Head-to-Head: Shelton 2–2 Cobolli
Ben Shelton’s comeback from injury has been rocky, with two losses in three matches and shaky form heading into Paris. He’s yet to find rhythm or consistency, and his record at this event offers little encouragement. Flavio Cobolli, fresh off a dominant win over Tomas Machac, has been steadily improving against elite opponents despite still chasing his first Top 10 victory. With Shelton lacking match sharpness and Cobolli thriving in slower indoor conditions, the Italian has a real opening here.
Prediction: Cobolli in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Cameron Norrie
Head-to-Head: Alcaraz 5–2 Norrie
Carlos Alcaraz heads to Paris on an 18-match winning streak, though his recent loss to Jannik Sinner at the Six Kings Slam was a reminder of his struggles on quicker indoor courts. The slower conditions at this year’s Paris Masters, however, play to his strengths, allowing him to construct points and use his full variety. Cameron Norrie snapped a poor run with a straightforward win over Sebastian Baez, but his record against top-five opponents remains weak, despite two past wins over Alcaraz. With Alcaraz fresher and far more comfortable in these conditions, this matchup should stay in his control.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Main Photo Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images