ATP Paris Masters: Dimitrov Secures First Win Since Comeback, Rublev Ends Losing Streak

On October 27 local time, the ATP Paris Masters began the men's singles opening round. After the painful exit at Wimbledon due to injury, Dimitrov made a spectacular return by winning convincingly. The Bulgarian player, who was once two sets ahead of eventual champion Sinner at Wimbledon’s fourth round before retiring with tears because of injury, now returned to the court in Paris and defeated local favorite Pericard 7-6(5), 6-1 to claim victory in his comeback match.

Dimitrov profile image

"I've never experienced an injury like this before, and I'm still trying to adjust to the time away from the court," Dimitrov said after the match. "The road to recovery has been far from easy. I knew returning would be a tough challenge, and today I just wanted to get on court to test my condition and give myself a chance. Regardless of tonight’s result, I gave it my all. No matter how much experience you have, after a long break from competition, there’s always extra pressure, but today was a good match. I will cherish this win and keep moving forward steadily." Dimitrov will face the winner between 11th seed Medvedev and Munar in the next round.

12th seed Rublev secured an important victory, defeating British player Fearnley in straight sets 6-1, 6-4. This marked his first win since reaching the fourth round at the US Open, after failing to win any matches during the China swing.

"My opponent was strong today and has had an impressive year," Rublev said after the match. "I managed to raise my level and play consistently. I’ve struggled a bit recently, so winning on the center court feels fantastic." Rublev’s next opponent is the young American Learner Chen, who defeated Borgs 6-2, 7-6(7).

In the center court’s finale, former finalist and 10th seed Kachanov dominated qualifier Quinn with a 6-1, 6-1 victory. In the second round, he will face the winner between Fonseca and Shapovalov.

Bublik also advanced, keeping alive his slim hopes of qualifying for this season’s ATP Finals. He defeated Australian player Poplin 6-4, 6-3, leveling their head-to-head record at 2-2.

Two French players progressed with identical scores: Lindgren edged Malrieux 7-6(5), 7-6(4), and Cazaux narrowly beat Darderi 7-6(5), 7-6(4). Serbian player Kecmanovic overcame Kovacevic 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(2).

(Text and editing by Wang Fei; photos courtesy of Visual China)