Alexander Zverev will start the Rolex Paris Masters as world No. 1, and tournament director Cédric Pioline will not hear a word about luck. Asked on Friday whether the German was a worthy No. 1 or a No. 1 by default, Pioline shut the question down.

“There’s no such thing as being world No. 1 by default,” Pioline said. “Maybe he had opportunities, and he knew how to seize them (winning Roland-Garros and the US Open). I think he’s a beautiful No. 1, because we have to remember certain things in his story.”

An incredible message of hope for everyone

Pioline pointed to the 2022 Roland-Garros semifinal, when Zverev left Court Philippe-Chatrier in a wheelchair after injuring his ankle against Rafael Nadal. “He left Roland-Garros’ Centre Court in a wheelchair when he was playing almost his best tennis. He was, to say the least, hanging with Rafael Nadal,” he said. “And he plays as a diabetic, which is an incredible message of hope for everyone. Whatever the level, everyone can be a champion in their own way.”

“So yes, he’s a beautiful No. 1, with two Grand Slam titles this year, a final and a semifinal,” Pioline added. “No, he’s not No. 1 by default at all.”

The tournament will celebrate Zverev’s rise with a ceremony organized with the ATP. “It’s the tradition, always at the tournament that follows the accession,” Pioline said at the draw.

Zverev, the 2024 champion in Paris, is the top seed. He will play the winner of Lorenzo Musetti and Hubert Hurkacz after a first-round bye. Jannik Sinner, last year’s champion, has withdrawn after ending his season, and Felix Auger-Aliassime, the runner-up, has also withdrawn. Zverev’s projected path runs through Learner Tien (No. 15), then Novak Djokovic (No. 10) or Alex de Minaur (No. 8) in the quarterfinals. Carlos Alcaraz (No. 2) is at the other end of the draw.