MEDVEDEV STUCK IN A RUT AFTER PARIS LOSS

Russian loses third straight opener in Bercy as Popyrin prevails; still without a 2024 title

PARIS - Daniil Medvedev is still searching for his first ATP tournament victory of 2024 after the world No. 5 lost to Australia's Alexei Popyrin for the first time in his career at the Paris Masters on Oct 30.

Medvedev won the Paris title in 2020 but has not found the indoor tournament to his liking in recent years - the defeat by Popyrin is the third successive time he has gone out in his opening round.

"It was a tough match," said the 28-year-old, who lost 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (7-4) in a gripping match in Bercy.

"I should have played better but at the same time, I had my opportunities, and I did not take them. It was a very tight match."

It was only the third win over a top-five player for world No. 24 Popyrin, who has been on a rich vein of form this year, winning his first Masters tournament in Montreal in August and beating Novak Djokovic at the US Open.

"It is the first time I have beaten him (in four meetings)," said the 25-year-old. "We have had some right old battles in the past and it is a real pleasure to have performed like this this time around."