Carlos Alcaraz receives bye into Paris Masters quarter-finals as opponent withdraws through injury

Carlos Alcaraz has been given a free pass into the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters for the first time since 2022. This is due to his third round opponent, Matteo Berrettini, withdrawing from the event due to an arm injury.

The Italian cannot catch a break with injury problems continuing to hound his tennis career. He defeated Brandon Nakashima in a terrific three-set contest in his opening round match, saving match points, before seeing off Ugo Humbert in straight sets to set up what would have been an enthralling task against the seven-time Grand Slam champion.

However, that will no longer headline the last-16 in the French capital. It was the 30-year-old's best run at the Paris Masters in his fourth attempt, but he will not be able to challenge for a first Masters 1000 quarter-final in 2026 as his demons once again show.

He confirmed the news on his Instagram story with a message to his fans. "Hi everyone," he wrote. "Unfortunately the arm pain I've been having for a few days won't allow me to play in tonight... Over the next few days I'll have the necessary tests to better understand what's happening. Thank you for all the support and affection you show me everyday on and off the pitch."

For Alcaraz, this is terrific news. He has never won the Paris Masters before, and has only reached the last-eight stage once. He lost out to Cameron Norrie last time out, but is looking good to finally tick off another big title.

The Spaniard fought past Alex Michelsen in a tight second round battle, but was chuffed to hear that a number of his big rivals have already fallen. World No.1 Alexander Zverev was the big one to go, but the likes of Daniil Medvedev and Alex de Minaur all faltering made for an unpredictable and destructive day three at the Paris Masters.

Alcaraz was able to avoid any of that drama and made it six wins and 12 sets in a row. This is all in the wake of his Vienna Open title triumph, and he is now the overwhelming favourite to win a first Masters 1000 title in 2026.

He will take on either Taylor Fritz, who is desperate for points to get into the ATP Finals, or home favourite Arthur Fils who also avoided the carnage to advance.