Paris Masters: Khachanov advances to last eight, keeps alive outside hopes of ATP Finals spot

Former champion Karen Khachanov rallied from a set down to defeat qualifier Roman Safiullin 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters at the Accor Arena on Thursday afternoon.

Safiullin had stunned world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the previous round but after he took the first set, he was outplayed by his fellow Russian, with Khachanov keeping alive his outside hopes of securing one of the last remaining places at this month’s ATP Finals.

Khachanov, ranked No 15, will face the winner of the match between Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, the No 7 seed, and German Alexander Zverev, the No 10 seed, next.

Karen Khachanov won against Australian Max Purcell (6-4, 6-4) and Serb Laslo Djere (6-4, 7-5) ahead of his victory.

Earlier in the tournament, Safiullin, ranked No 45, won against French wildcard Alexandre Muller (7-6 (4), 6-3) and Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, the second seed (6-3, 6-4).

Paris Masters, other last 16 results (Accor Arena, EUR 5.779.335, most recent results first):

• Daniel Altmaier vs. Holger Rune
• Novak Djokovic vs. Tallon Griekspoor
• Jannik Sinner vs. Alex De Minaur
• Francisco Cerundolo vs. Hubert Hurkacz
• Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Alexander Zverev: thursday
• Andrey Rublev (5) beat Botic van de Zandschulp (Q): 6-3, 6-3
• Grigor Dimitrov beat Alexander Bublik: 6-2, 6-2