The 2019 Paris Masters is just a couple rounds old, but it has already produced some shocking results. And undoubtedly the two biggest ones involve the top Russians in the draw.
Both Daniil Medvedev and Karen Khachanov saw their tournaments come to an abrupt end as they fell in the second round.
With Roger Federer making big Paris Masters 2019 news by announcing his withdrawal from the tournament after winning in Basel, that means three of the top eight seeds have already been knocked out.
Meanwhile, one of the five remaining top seeds in Rafael Nadal will make his return to action after a brief break with his sights set on finally claiming his first title in this tournament.
As always, SBOBET is here to break down all the latest news items you need to know about the ongoing Paris Masters.
Daniil Medvedev’s winning streak snapped
Daniil Medvedev’s winning streak is finally over. After winning nine consecutive matches en route to back-to-back titles in St. Petersburg and Shanghai, Medvedev fell in the very first hurdle in Paris to Frenchman Jeremy Chardy, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.
“I wasn’t thinking at all about the streak while on court,” Medvedev said. “I was just afraid of losing. I hate to lose. But I also know what I can do when I play… Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Even though I lost, I can take it as an experience.”
Medvedev had several chances to turn the match in his favour, but he failed to take advantage. He converted just one of 15 break-point opportunities, and none of the nine he had in the last set alone.
Prior to his second-round defeat in Paris, Medvedev had reached an impressive six finals in a row on hard court. That includes reaching the final of the US Open, where he fell to Rafael Nadal in five sets.
Due to those strong performances, he was considered among the top favourites in Paris according to the Paris Masters 2019 betting odds.
But despite his early exit, Medvedev has secured his spot in the year-ending ATP Finals in London.
As for Chardy, he moves on to the third round to face either Cristian Garin or 15th-seeded American John Isner.
Defending champ Karen Khachanov knocked out
Medvedev wasn’t the only big Russian casualty in the second round. Compatriot — and defending Paris Masters champion — Karen Khachanov was also unceremoniously dumped out of the tournament by Jan-Lennard Struff, 7-6(5), 3-6, 7-5.
Struff edged out Khachanov in their first-set tie-breaker, but the Russian hit back immediately by running out to a 3-0 lead in the second set.
Khachanov then got a crucial break point in the fifth game of the third set to make things interesting. But Struff was eventually able to make his advantage count as he closed out the set with a big smash from the baseline.
It’s been a disappointing 2019 overall for the 23-year-old Khachanov. After winning last year’s Paris Masters against Dominic Thiem — his third title of 2018 — he won no titles this year and has a record of just 29-25 after going 26-22 the previous season.
With his early elimination from Paris, Khachanov is no longer in contention to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals.
Meanwhile, Struff will now to face 10th-seeded Italian Matteo Berrettini or French wild card and 2008 titlist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the third round.
Newlywed Rafael Nadal looking to clinch No. 1 seed
Rafael Nadal will return to action in Paris for the first time since getting married. The Spanish superstar tied the knot with his long-time girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello on October 19 in Mallorca.
“The wedding had been a great day for me, for my wife, I think for the guests, too – for all the people that shared this special day with all of us,” said Nadal, ahead of his Paris opener. “It was a great party. I’ve been with my girlfriend for 15 years, so nothing’s changed in my normal life. Just was the moment to do it and we made it happen.”
Nadal, the current world No. 2 behind Novak Djokovic, would clinch the top spot in the year-end rankings for the fifth time in his career if he wins in Paris. However, the Spaniard has yet to win this ATP Masters 1000 title in his storied career.
But with Federer’s withdrawal coupled with the early exits of Medvedev and Khachanov, Nadal’s road to the final just got much easier.
Nadal’s quest for that elusive first title in Paris begins in the second round as he faces French wild card Adrian Mannarino.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE TENNIS STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
