Carlos Alcaraz takes another step towards elusive Paris Masters title with sixth straight indoor victory

Wednesday, 04 November 2026 at 22:30

Carlos Alcaraz continued his impressive return from injury by reaching the third round of the Paris Masters, overcoming Alex Michelsen 7-6(4), 6-3. The Spaniard needed one hour and 42 minutes to get past the American, navigating a difficult opening set before finding another level when it mattered. It was his 16th victory in 18 tour-level matches since returning from a right wrist injury.

The second seed arrived in Paris fresh from winning the Vienna Open, where he collected his fourth title of the season without dropping a set. That success extended his winning streak to five matches, and he has now made it six consecutive victories indoors after successfully beginning his campaign in the French capital.

However, the match against Michelsen was not entirely straightforward. The American, ranked No. 35 in the world, pushed Alcaraz into a tie-break after recovering an early break, putting the Spaniard under pressure before the decisive moments of the opening set.

Alcaraz eventually took control and carried that momentum into the second set to secure his place in the next round. His next challenge will come against Italy's Matteo Berrettini, following a day that saw several of the tournament's favourites eliminated, including Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Arthur Fils and Daniil Medvedev.

Alcaraz explains how he adapted to Michelsen and the Paris conditions

The opening set required patience from Alcaraz, who had to adjust to playing on the Paris centre court for the first time this week. Rather than immediately imposing his preferred rhythm, the Spaniard focused on understanding how the conditions were affecting his shots and how Michelsen was responding to them.

"It was the first time that I touched the centre court, so I didn't know what's going to happen," the 7-time Grand Slam champion said in press conference. "I really tried to be focused on every shot and how the balls react in the bounces, how he was going to react when I hit the ball in the racket."

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The approach proved useful when the first set reached its most important moment. After both players exchanged breaks, Michelsen appeared to have the advantage in the tie-break, moving ahead 4-1. Alcaraz responded by winning six consecutive points, turning the situation around and taking the opening set 7-6(4).

"I tried to be really focused to get as much information as I could get at the beginning, try to feel better and better after every game."

The Spaniard then found the decisive breakthrough in the second set. Neither player managed to establish a significant advantage until Alcaraz broke for a 4-3 lead, putting himself in position to serve for the match. He completed the job with an ace, avoiding any late complications and extending his winning run.

Berrettini next as Alcaraz continues pursuit of first Paris title

The victory represents another important step in Alcaraz's attempt to finally make a deep run at the Paris Masters. Despite his success across the ATP Tour, the Spaniard has never gone beyond the quarter-finals in the French capital, reaching that stage in 2022 before losing to Holger Rune.

His recent form, however, provides reasons for optimism. Since returning from injury, Alcaraz has won 16 of his 18 tour-level matches, including five consecutive victories to capture the Japan Open and another five to lift the trophy in Vienna. His only two defeats came against Shelton and Bergs, making his recovery particularly impressive given the length of his absence.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion will now face Matteo Berrettini in the third round. The Italian secured his place by defeating home favourite Ugo Humbert 7-6(3), 7-5, recovering from a 4-1 deficit in the second set to avoid a deciding set.

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Alcaraz leads their head-to-head record 3-1, although they have not met on the ATP Tour since Wimbledon 2023. Berrettini represents another significant test as the Spaniard attempts to maintain his indoor momentum and move closer to a tournament title that has so far eluded him.

With six consecutive indoor victories and two titles already secured since his return, Alcaraz is beginning to look increasingly comfortable again. Paris offers him another opportunity to translate that form into a breakthrough at a tournament where he has yet to fulfil his ambitions.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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