Rolex Paris Masters faces player withdrawals

The Rolex Paris Masters, set to take place from 2 to 8 November at the Plenitude Arena, is facing a wave of player withdrawals just days before the tournament begins. Key players have pulled out due to injuries, affecting the competition's lineup and the players' chances of qualifying for other events.

Félix Auger-Aliassime withdraws with knee injury

Félix Auger-Aliassime, the 2025 finalist and world No. 7, has withdrawn from the tournament due to a left knee injury he sustained in Shanghai. The injury has prevented him from recovering in time, meaning he will also miss his last chance to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin.

Impact on Auger-Aliassime's ranking

Auger-Aliassime's withdrawal results in the loss of 650 points, bringing his total to 2,875 and dropping his world ranking to No. 13. With the loss of 400 ATP Finals semifinal points, his ranking is expected to drop further to around world No. 17.

Alexander Bublik also withdraws

Alexander Bublik, the outgoing semifinalist and world No. 20, has also withdrawn from the tournament due to a right knee injury he sustained during his semifinal exit in Almaty against Daniil Medvedev. This adds to the list of absent players, including defending champion Jannik Sinner, who has already finished his season.

Opportunities for other players

The withdrawals have created opportunities for other players, such as Luca Van Assche, world No. 46, who will directly enter the main draw without needing to compete in the qualifiers. This is also good news for Italian player Matteo Berrettini, world No. 48.

French Tennis Federation issues wild cards

The French Tennis Federation (FFT) has issued four wild cards for the main draw to players Titouan Droguet, Arthur Gea, Quentin Halys, and Kyrian Jacquet. The draw is scheduled for Friday, October 30, followed by qualifiers on Saturday and Sunday, with the main draw beginning on Monday, November 2.