Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Paris Masters match.
Since spring, Tsitsipas has struggled to reach the critical stages of major tournaments. The Paris Masters offers him another opportunity, starting with a seemingly manageable opponent in Carballés Baena.
Stefanos Tsitsipas
After claiming victory in Monte Carlo and reaching the final in Barcelona, the Greek's performances this year have been lacklustre. Since holding the seventh spot in April, he has been gradually slipping in the rankings. His recent quarter-final elimination in Basel highlights his usual second-half-of-the-year ceiling, dropping him to 12th place, behind Tommy Paul. A quarter-final appearance in the French capital will likely be his upper limit as well.
Roberto Carballés Baena
The Spaniard entered Paris's main draw as a lucky loser. In the second round of qualification, he was defeated by Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets. If Carballés lost to the world number 52, what can he expect against the tournament’s 10th seed? He has faced Tsitsipas three times, losing all encounters, though twice in three sets, albeit on his favoured clay courts. Roberto has not found the same comfort on hard courts.
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Roberto Carballés Baena Prediction
Despite recent struggles with his form and results, Stefanos Tsitsipas should ease past Roberto Carballés Baena. Given Carballés' loss to a peer in the rankings, it's unlikely that the nearly-top-ten player will face significant challenges against him.
