Joao Fonseca Follows Basel Breakthrough With Paris Masters Win, Draws Khachanov Next

A carefully managed schedule is helping turn his late-season run into likely Grand Slam seeding.

Overview

Two days after lifting the Basel ATP 500 trophy, the 19-year-old beat Denis Shapovalov 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in his Paris Masters debut.
He took a third-set medical timeout for back and left-thigh tightness but said afterward he felt good and expected quick recovery.
His Basel title pushed him to a career-high No. 28, and the Paris win moved him to No. 24 in the ATP Live Rankings, leaving him widely projected to be seeded at the Australian Open.
Fonseca faces 10th seed Karen Khachanov in the second round as his team continues a selective schedule that includes the Hellenic Championships and the Next Gen ATP Finals.
He is reported as the third youngest ATP 500 champion and improved to 2-0 in his head-to-head against Shapovalov.