Winners and losers. This phrase best sums up the reality of the first round of the Paris Masters on Monday. Some players fell along the way while others leapt and passed.
One of those who dropped along the line on Monday was America’s Frances Tiafoe. The 14th-seeded Tiafoe was bested by Alexander Bublik 6-3, 6-4. Behind him in 15th position was Shelton, who was himself beaten by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6 (4), 5-7, 6-3.
While it might pinch pretty bad to lose, especially at this point, the win for Bublik is pretty significant. For one, it was his first hard-court win at a Masters since his Miami triumph of 2022
Exiting a game in the opening round is something most players would rather not experience. But life happens and players have to deal with the reality, alongside their fans who are almost always just as disappointed to see their faces drop out so early.
Shelton and Murray aren’t the only losers of the day, however. Andy Murray had a hard time as well as he sparred with Alex de Minaur, ultimately losing to Alex, in the course of three hours, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 7-5. This gives him a six-meet unbeaten record against Murray. Frustrated at the end of it all, Murray had smashed his racket in anger.
