In a pandemic season packed with big time tournaments, next week we’ll be treated to yet another big-time tournament, the Paris Masters. The ink on the French Open title is not yet dry, and Paris will be hosting all the top men once again. The French Open drew massive ratings and interest, and there’s no reason to believe the Paris Masters won’t do the same. All the top names will be participating.

Also, on the line are the final two spots for the ATP Finals. Djokovic, Nadal, Thiem, Tsitsipas, Medvedev and Zverev have all qualified. Rublev, Schwartzman, Berrettini, Monfils and Shapovalov still have a chance, and must go deep to get some big points. This tournament is pretty much their last chance to get some big points. The ATP finals will be held one week after the Paris Masters.

So, who can we expect to make some noise?

Novak Djokovic (1) – He’s in great form, and these are going to be hard courts after all. Djokovic has won this tournament five times and is the defending champion. He will be the clear favorite. Plus, he will have a chip on his shoulder given the fact that since the start of the pandemic he’s faltered in both the US Open and the French Open. He’s going to be hungry for another big tournament.

Dominic Thiem (3) – Here’s another player that doesn’t play particularly well at the Paris Masters, having made one semifinal appearance in 2018, along with a bunch of second and third round exits. That being said, Thiem is a more complete player under the guidance of Nicolas Massu, and not just a clay court specialist anymore. Expect a nice run from Thiem into the semifinals.

Daniil Medvedev (5) – I like Medvedev on hard courts. He made a nice run at the US Open, before heading to a dreadful clay court swing. However, now that we’re back on hard courts, Medvedev will be on his game. He will try and put his bad result in St. Petersburg behind him to make a run.

Andrey Rublev (7) – Rublev is arguably the most exciting player in tennis right now. Fresh off his win in St, Petersburg, he is looking mighty sharp as of late, and is my favorite to capture one of the two spots left in the ATP Finals. He plays a free-flowing aggressive game that can take the racket out of anybody’s hand when it’s on. He’s primed to make a big run at a Masters tournament.

Diego Schwartzman (8) – I had to put Diego on the list. He’s arguably one of the hottest players on tour and is itching to get to the ATP Finals. He’s made numerous finals this year, in addition to reaching the French Open semis. This man is tough to beat, and he’ll be there to give the top men a run for their money. Expect him in the Semifinals.

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