Zverev and Djokovic Knocked Out, Surprise Wave at Paris Masters

World No. 1 Alexander Zverev was knocked out of the Paris Masters in the first round, losing 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 to Italy's Lorenzo Musetti, the 24th seed. Zverev, who won the French Open and US Open this year and reached the top of the rankings for the first time in his career, had a disappointing start to his first tournament as No. 1. The German said he was angry after the match and admitted he was uncomfortable with having to defend the world No. 1 ranking.

Zverev led in the first-set tiebreak but lost five points in a row, then dropped six of the next eight games. Musetti, for his part, stressed how difficult the match was, saying it was the toughest opponent of his sporting career.

Novak Djokovic also exited the tournament. The 39-year-old Serbian failed to reach his eighth Paris Masters title and his goal of qualifying for the ATP Finals. World No. 83 Rinky Hijikata of Australia beat Djokovic 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. Although Djokovic looked comfortable after the first set, Hijikata broke his opponent's serve in the eighth game of the second set, took the set and pushed the match into a third.

Carlos Alcaraz started his tournament with a win, beating Alex Michelsen 7-6 (7/4), 6-3.