Zverev against Tsitsipas, De Minaur against Rune

At the Paris Masters on Friday there are a few all-seeded showdowns on the agenda in the quarterfinals. Alexander Zverev faces Stefanos Tsitsipas, while Alex de Minaur battles Holger Rune for a place in the last four.

(3) Alexander Zverev vs. (10) Stefanos Tsitsipas

Zverev and Tsitsipas will face each other for the 16th time in their careers when they meet in the quarterfinals of the Rolex Paris Masters on Friday. The head-to-head series is 10-5 in favor of Tsitsipas, who won 7-6(2), 6-4 in the third round in his previous appearance at the same tournament in Paris last year. However, things aren't quite as bad for Zverev as the numbers suggest; He is 4-5 in his last nine meetings after winning just one of his first six meetings.

The current form massively favors Zverev, who is heading for another appearance at the Nitto ATP Finals. The third-ranked German improved to 63-20 this season with Paris wins over Tallon Griekspoor and red-hot Arthur Fils. Tsitsipas is through to the last eight after beating Roberto Carballes Baena, Alejandro Tabilo and Francisco Cerundolo – two of the three coming from behind. Although a lightning fast pitch isn't great for either of them, it's better for Zverev. All signs point to the third seed taking care of business on Friday.

Selection: Zverev in 2

(13) Holger Rune vs. (9) Alex de Minaur

De Minaur's quarter-final appearance combined with Andrey Rublev's second-round exit means the world number 10 is in position to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals. Of course, that doesn't mean that De Minaur will suddenly lose motivation. There is still another week to go after Paris (ATP 250 in Belgrade and Metz), and Rublev is not the only other player fighting for one of the remaining spots. Tsitsipas could overtake De Minaur with a title in Paris and Rune – the Australian's Friday opponent – could do the same by lifting the trophy and then at least reaching the Metz final.

A much-needed big week for De Minaur came at the expense of Mariano Navone, Miomir Kecmanovic and Vienna champion Jack Draper. Rune has made progress by defeating Matteo Arnaldi, Alexander Bublik and Arthur Cazaux. The 13th-ranked Dane won the first two head-to-head meetings in this match on indoor hard courts, but De Minaur has since won twice in a row (last year in Acapulco and the Queen's Club). An indoor appearance at an event he won in 2022 certainly gives Rune a chance, but it's hard to choose against an inspired De Minaur.

Selection: De Minaur in 3