It is finally the time for the final Masters 1000 event of the year and Jannik Sinner appears all set to take another title home this year. The Italian star, who has been on a hot winning streak doesn’t show any signs of stopping anytime soon. However, his draw is one of the major concerns at the moment. With several big names standing in his way, the road to the title won’t be easy at all. However, it’s not that the Italian doesn’t understand the competition and he recently made his thoughts clear on how the draw has fared out for him.

Ahead of the Paris Masters, Jannik Sinner acknowledged the difficult Paris draw and the possibility of meeting strong opponents. While Sinner holds a 4-1 lead over Shelton, he knows that this tournament could still bring unexpected challenges.

Sinner commented, “Yeah, very tough draw. Very, very difficult draw, especially here on these courts. You know, big servers are very tough.” He highlighted that in an unpredictable draw, any outcome is possible, and adjustments may be necessary along the way. “The draw can open up sometimes, or, you know, you never know what’s coming,” he remarked, illustrating his approach of taking things one day at a time.

Sinner expressed his determination to prepare carefully for each round, especially against Ben Shelton, whom he expects to be a “very difficult” competitor. He also noted his struggles on these courts in previous years aiming to surpass his past performances. Talking about Felix, he suggested that he hadn’t won against him and would be a tough match with him as well.

“I try to prepare in the best possible way for the first-round match. It’s going to be very difficult against Ben. It’s very, very difficult in any case. And against Felix, I never won. So, you know, it’s going to be a very tough one. You know, I’m looking forward to it. I’m focused about myself, and hopefully I can raise the level from the last two years I came here, which I have struggled a little bit here on this court. So let’s see.” Sinner said explaining that he hopes to raise his level after past difficulties on the surface. Confident yet cautious, Sinner remains focused on overcoming the tough competition in Paris, hoping to get into his stride as the tournament progresses.

Shelton, currently in the finals of the Basel Open is in red-hot form. Shelton has also got massive backing from the American legend Patrick McEnroe as the one to halt Sinner’s dominance in the ATP world.

Patrick McEnroe expects Ben Shelton to stop Jannik Sinner’s dominant display on the tour

Patrick McEnroe sees immense potential in American rising star Ben Shelton. Reflecting on Shelton’s play at the Laver Cup, McEnroe highlighted the young player’s powerful game against Carlos Alcaraz. “I think Ben Shelton’s got the most upside and even watching him at the Laver Cup, which I’ve been lucky to do for the last two years,” McEnroe shared noting the intensity Shelton displayed in his match against Alcaraz. Although Shelton lost in straight sets, McEnroe saw those first 7-8 games as “tennis in a different stratosphere.”

McEnroe acknowledged that Shelton couldn’t maintain that high level over two full sets but emphasized how his initial play matched Alcaraz in both athleticism and shot-making. “If he can do it for eight games and match Alcaraz in the athleticism department and the shotmaking department, then maybe he is the guy,” McEnroe suggested.

He believes Shelton’s self-confidence, or “moxie,” could make him a formidable opponent. “He’s certainly got the moxie, the belief, and he’s not intimidated by those guys in a way,” McEnroe added, expressing that Shelton might be the American player with the “most upside” to challenge elite players like Sinner and Alcaraz.

Will players like Shelton be able to finally take over the dominance established by the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner? Do let us know in the comments below!