By SABC Sport
26th October 2024
After a stellar 2024, winning both the Australian Open and US Open, World No 1 Ssinner begins his campaign against either Ben Shelton or Felix Auger-Aliassime. In the third round, he could meet 2022 Paris Masters champion Holger Rune, with Jack Draper and Alex de Minaur also looming in his half of the draw.
Taylor Fritz and Alexander Zverev further load the top half, making Carlos Alcaraz's path in the bottom half comparatively easier.
Alcaraz, the French Open and Wimbledon champion, may face Nicolas Jarry in his opener and France's Ugo Humbert in the third round. He could then meet Tommy Paul or Casper Ruud later on, with Ruud chasing vital points to qualify for the ATP Finals.
Though a Sinner-Alcaraz final is anticipated, several enticing matchups are set early on, like Shelton vs. Auger-Aliassime and Rune vs. Matteo Arnaldi.
Draper, enjoying a breakout year, faces Jiri Lehecka in round one, with Fritz awaiting the winner. Daniil Medvedev could open against Matteo Berrettini, while Arthur Fils takes on Marin Cilic in a crowd favorite.
With Novak Djokovic skipping the event, Andrey Rublev, Ruud, and de Minaur have a chance to secure the final ATP Finals spots in Turin, as Djokovic currently holds sixth place in the race.