The 24-year-old Italian stayed clinical on serve, sealing a straight-sets win to begin his quest to reclaim the No. 1 ranking.
Paris
Jannik Sinner’s pursuit of the World No. 1 ranking began on a winning note as the Italian brushed aside Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-4, 6-2 in the second round of the Paris Masters. The 24-year-old, who must lift the title to overtake Carlos Alcaraz at the top, was sharp from the start, converting three of his 11 break points without facing one himself.
Sinner’s 65-week reign as the top-ranked player ended in September when Alcaraz defeated him in the US Open final to reclaim the position. However, with Alcaraz’s early exit in Paris at the hands of Cameron Norrie, the Italian now has a golden chance to regain the crown.
“I was very precise today, especially on serve,” Sinner said after the match. “Getting an early break gave me confidence. I’m happy with how I moved and executed my shots.”
Sinner, chasing his fifth title of the season, will next face Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo in the third round.
Meanwhile, defending champion Alexander Zverev advanced after rallying to defeat Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-7 (5), 6-1, 7-5, while Felix Auger-Aliassime edged Frenchman Alexandre Muller 5-7, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4) to keep his ATP Finals hopes alive.
Elsewhere, Daniil Medvedev advanced via walkover after Grigor Dimitrov withdrew with a shoulder injury, and Lorenzo Sonego upset compatriot Lorenzo Musetti to set up a clash with Medvedev.
With Alcaraz out, Sinner’s dominant display has kept alive his dream of ending the season back on top of world tennis.