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The Rolex Paris Masters 2025 continues to deliver high-intensity matchups as we move into the third round. Two exciting clashes headline Thursday’s action — Ben Shelton vs Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Both matches feature players fighting to regain form and end their seasons on a strong note.
Shelton vs Rublev: A Second Showdown Indoors
Ben Shelton and Andrey Rublev will meet for the second time in their careers when they face off in Round 3 of the Rolex Paris Masters. Their first encounter also came on an indoor hard court, where Shelton triumphed 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-4 on his way to reaching the Basel final in 2024.
Shelton, the young American star, is steadily returning to form after suffering a shoulder injury at the U.S. Open. Since his comeback, he holds a 2-2 match record. However, his confidence seems to be growing after a 7-6(4), 6-3 victory over Flavio Cobolli earlier this week. His serve looked sharp, and his explosive groundstrokes were on full display.
Rublev, on the other hand, is looking to recover from one of the toughest stretches of his career. Before arriving in Paris, the Russian had gone 0-4 since the U.S. Open, with losses to players ranked outside the top 20 — including opponents ranked 88th, 25th, 173rd, and 35th. In Paris, however, he found his rhythm again with wins over Jake Fearnley and Learner Tien, ending his losing streak.
Still, Rublev faces a much bigger challenge in Shelton. The American’s power game is ideally suited to indoor conditions, and his serve has become one of the most feared on tour. With his shoulder now fully healed, Shelton appears ready to make another deep run.
Prediction: Shelton in 3 sets.
If both players bring their best tennis, fans can expect a thrilling, fast-paced battle filled with big serves and heavy forehands. But Shelton’s athleticism and renewed confidence may give him the edge in crucial moments.
Zverev vs Davidovich Fokina: Champion Meets Challenger
The second blockbuster matchup on Thursday features (3) Alexander Zverev taking on (15) Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Zverev is the defending champion at the Rolex Paris Masters, while Davidovich Fokina is still searching for his first ATP Tour title after another runner-up finish last week.
These two have faced off six times previously, with Zverev leading the head-to-head series 5-1. However, their recent encounters have been tighter than the record suggests. Davidovich Fokina earned his lone victory over the German at the 2023 Toronto Masters, while Zverev needed three sets to overcome him in Madrid earlier this year, winning 2-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(0).
This match promises another competitive chapter in their growing rivalry.
Zverev entered Paris after a strong season, including several deep runs at Masters 1000 events. However, his early matches in Paris have tested him physically. The world No. 3 needed three sets to defeat Camilo Ugo Carabelli on Wednesday. Before that, he edged out Arthur Cazaux 7-6(5), 6-4 in a passionate battle that saw the French fans heavily involved.
Davidovich Fokina, meanwhile, has been one of the most improved players of the season. His consistency and defense have improved significantly, but fatigue could play a major role here. The Spaniard finished as the runner-up in Basel last week, where he spent a lot of energy — both physically and emotionally.
Given Zverev’s powerful baseline game and his ability to absorb pressure, the defending champion enters this clash as the favorite. However, he must stay focused and avoid the slow starts that have plagued him in recent rounds.
Prediction: Zverev in 3 sets.
Fans can expect long rallies, heavy baseline exchanges, and intense shot-making. But as the match wears on, Davidovich Fokina’s energy may dip, allowing Zverev to capitalize.
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Thursday’s Rolex Paris Masters lineup promises two high-quality contests with major implications for the ATP year-end standings. Shelton’s comeback story continues to inspire, while Rublev aims to rediscover his top form before the ATP Finals. On the other side, Zverev’s title defense faces a tough challenge against a fiery and determined Davidovich Fokina.
If both Americans — Shelton and Zverev — advance, the quarterfinal stage could feature even more blockbuster matchups.
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