Top Five Best Men’s First Round Matches At The 2026 ATP Paris Masters

U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 4, 2026 Monaco's Valentin Vacherot in action during his third round match against Frances Tiafoe of the U.S. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Yesh GinsburgThe final Masters 1000 event season, ATP Paris, is upon us, as the best players in the world converge at the Rolex Paris Masters for what will be the last piece of action on a tennis court in 2026 for many of them. Given the smaller field and the tournament’s one-week format, we have a packed draw, with certain matchups taking place in the very first round that would be pivotal encounters at other tournaments. Here is our collection of the five matches you must keep an eye on during the opening round in Paris this year.Five Best Men’s First-Round Matches at ATP ParisMatteo Berrettini vs Brandon NakashimaInjuries might have reduced Matteo Berrettini’s ceiling, but on a court where weapons, namely a big serve and powerful groundstrokes, matter, the Italian can still produce some solid tennis. Against Brandon Nakashima, a player who has arguably enjoyed the best stretch of his career since the start of the North American hard-court summer, this matchup will likely be decided by which player has the better returning day, given that both are exceptional servers. As was the case in their encounter in Shanghai earlier this year, a closely contested match should be in store.Lorenzo Musetti vs Hubert HurkaczA 3-2 head-to-head in favour of the Italian showcases just how closely contested this matchup can be, as Lorenzo Musetti, fresh off winning his first title on tour in almost four years in Lyon, takes on the big-serving Hurkacz. While Hurkacz’s serve will be a key factor in this match, the baseline exchanges will be equally intriguing, as Musetti looks to use his variety against the more linear counterpunching style of the Pole. Both players will want to end their seasons on a high after some recent physical setbacks, making this match all the more exciting.Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Learner TienWith his game not being quite as flashy as Joao Fonseca’s or his rise in the rankings as rapid as Rafael Jodar’s, many people still do not give Learner Tien the credit he deserves for showing continuous improvement on the tour in his first two seasons. His first-round opponent in Paris, Stefanos Tsitsipas, is a player who, on the other hand, has regressed over multiple years and is now far removed from his career-best ranking. Still, given the name value of the Greek and the potential start of a run for Tien, this opening-round clash is one to keep an eye on in Paris.Tommy Paul vs Holger RuneTo the delight of tennis fans, it seems like Holger Rune’s Achilles injury is now firmly in the rearview mirror, as he returns to the tournament where he achieved the greatest triumph of his career to date. This matchup against Tommy Paul will be a fascinating clash of all-court tennis, as both players, although predominantly baseliners, are also comfortable at the net and do not shy away from employing variety in their games. Rune will look to channel his positive experiences from the past, while Paul will aim to secure a confidence-boosting opening-round win, with both players looking to make the most of their final big tournament of 2026.Novak Djokovic vs Valentin VacherotAug 15, 2026; Mason, OH, USA; Novak Djokovic (SRB) serves against Thiago Agustín Tirante (ARG) during the Cincinnati Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn ImagesThe match of the first round in Paris is undoubtedly Novak Djokovic going up against Valentin Vacherot. A seven-time champion in Paris, Djokovic returns to the tournament for the first time since 2023, when he unsurprisingly won the event. However, he has been handed a rather difficult draw, as Vacherot is not only a player who plays his best tennis indoors but also someone who has beaten Djokovic in their only previous meeting. Djokovic will be determined to correct that wrong, while Vacherot will look to prove that his win over the Serbian in Shanghai last year was no fluke. What is certain, however, is that all eyes will be on this match during the opening round in Paris this year.Main Photo Credit: REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz