The final Masters 1000 tournament of the 2024 season concluded with a familiar sight: Alexander Zverev hoisting a trophy. The 27-year-old German capped off a resurgent year by claiming the Paris Masters title, notching his ATP-best 66th win in the process. But Zverev’s triumph was just one of many storylines in a week full of breakthroughs, comebacks, and costume parties across the tennis world.
Zverev Completes Dream Comeback in City of Light
Two and a half years after suffering a devastating ankle injury at Roland Garros, Zverev found redemption on the Parisian indoor hard courts. The world No. 3 put together a dominant week, culminating in a 6-2, 6-2 demolition of France’s Ugo Humbert in Sunday’s final.
An emotional Zverev dedicated the victory to his team, acknowledging the immense challenges he overcame to return to the winner’s circle at a Masters event:
“It was not 100 percent guaranteed that I would be back at this level after Roland Garros two years ago, when I basically broke everything possible in my ankle… So to win this title here in Paris means the world to me.”
– Alexander Zverev
ATP Finals Field Set After Late-Season Drama
Zverev’s Paris trophy also secured him the No. 2 ranking, but he wasn’t the only one making moves in the Race to Turin. Novak Djokovic shocked the tennis world by withdrawing from the ATP Finals due to a lingering injury, opening the door for three players to snag the last spots.
When the dust settled, it was Casper Ruud, Alex de Minaur, and Andrey Rublev who punched their tickets to the prestigious season-ending championships. They join Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner, and Taylor Fritz in a stacked Turin field that promises no shortage of intrigue.
Shnaider Shines, Golubic Snaps Title Drought
While Zverev was painting masterpieces in Paris, Diana Shnaider was putting the finishing touches on a breakout 2024 campaign. The 20-year-old Russian-born star captured her fourth title of the year in Hong Kong, joining Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka as the only women to achieve the feat this season.
Shnaider, now ranked No. 12, reflected on her meteoric rise with pride and determination: “I’m so happy, so proud, the way I competed this week. It’s a dream to finish the season like this… I hope in my last year, or years, or however long I will play, I will get more highlights.”
Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Viktorija Golubic ended an eight-year title drought with an inspired run at the Jiangxi Open. The former world No. 51, who came into the event ranked No. 168, bulldozed the competition all week en route to her first trophy since 2016.
“[It] feels incredible… Persistence has paid off, and I’m really proud I’ve stayed on tour for that long and to be at that level for that long. I’ve worked hard to be at this level.”
– Viktorija Golubic
Halloween Hijinks and Saudi Silliness
As the tennis season winds down, the game’s top stars are keeping things light. Andy Murray donned clown makeup, the Wozniacki clan went 101 Dalmatians, and social media sensation Eugenie Bouchard broke out multiple iconic costumes for Halloween festivities.
But the best costume of all might have been an Iga Swiatek doppelganger who fooled fans with an eerily accurate look and mannerisms.
The real Swiatek was busy bonding with buddy Aryna Sabalenka ahead of the WTA Finals in Riyadh. The dynamic duo made TikToks and played soccer with local kids, with hilarious results – like Sabalenka accidentally kicking a ball at a photographer. All in good fun as the world’s best prepare for one last showdown under the Saudi Arabian sun.
From a career renaissance in Paris to generational breakthroughs across the globe, this week in tennis showcased the full spectrum of the sport’s timeless appeal. As the 2024 chapter nears its conclusion, the promise of new beginnings – and unforgettable endings – looms large on the horizon.
