Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are one round away from a potential head-to-head final at the BNP Paribas Masters, but the biggest story on Friday was the completion of the 2019 Nitto ATP Finals field.
Gael Monfils’ 6-2, 6-2 loss to Denis Shapovalov allowed Matteo Berrettini to clinch the eighth and final spot. Shapovalov, the recent Stockholm champion, fired five aces without double-faulting and did not face a single break point over just 59 minutes of play.
Meanwhile, Djokovic thrashed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-1, 6-2 and Nadal ended Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s run with a 7-6(4), 6-1 victory.
“It was one of those matches where nothing was really going wrong for me,” Shapovalov explained. “I felt like any shot I hit was finding its way into the court…. Everything went for me, so I am super happy to get the win.”
“To be honest, Denis outplayed me,” Monfils assured. “It wasn’t the best match I played, but I think I couldn’t have [done much] better today. I gave everything I had, and Denis was just too good for me today.”
“I would have never thought I could qualify a couple of months ago,” Berrettini admitted. “I am just so happy to be among the Top 8 in London. It is a great satisfaction and the reward for the superb work that my team, my family and of course myself have put in place this whole year. Now we prepare for the final show. I will be ready.”
Saturday’s semifinal lineup at the Paris Masters features Djokovic vs. Grigor Dimitrov and Nadal vs. Shapovalov. Dimitrov defeated Christian Garin 6-2, 7-5 in the first quarterfinal.
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congrats, Berrettini